(TruthAndLiberty.com) – The United States administration has allocated $60 million in aid for Maryland following the collapse of a bridge in Baltimore, which occurred after a collision with a cargo vessel.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that this financial assistance is designated for the immediate repair efforts following the accident involving the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was impacted by the Dali, a cargo ship under the Singaporean flag. The ship, spanning 984 feet, experienced a power failure while departing from the Baltimore Harbor.
The DOT stated that this allocation is merely an initial installment, with the promise of more funds from the Emergency Relief program as the restoration work advances.
This monetary support is crucial for the state’s efforts to reconstruct and mend the damaged bridge.
The mishap took place early Tuesday when the ship, laden with approximately 4,700 containers, lost its propulsion system and collided with the bridge, resulting in the death of six individuals and significantly disrupting traffic flow in one of the nation’s most vital ports.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg remarked on the unforgettable scene of the cargo ship striking and causing the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which led to the tragic fatalities.
He emphasized that the immediate release of federal emergency funds is intended to kick-start the urgent repair works, with the expectation of additional aid to support the ongoing recovery and reconstruction processes.
President Biden has previously committed to doing whatever it takes to restore the bridge, which has become a critical concern.
Maryland officials have been informed by federal representatives that the bridge’s reconstruction could necessitate an expenditure of up to $2 billion.
The incident is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. However, the funding strategy proposed by Biden for the bridge’s restoration has sparked controversy among some members of Congress, particularly among those who are critical of recent government spending. They argue that the financial approach to the bridge’s repair is emblematic of fiscal irresponsibility.
Representative Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) expressed his outrage to The Hill, describing the idea of federal funding for the Baltimore bridge project as “totally absurd” and likening it to misappropriation of funds.
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