Governor Moore to provide financial support to employees, families of Baltimore bridge collapse

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (DC News Now) — Relief is underway for Port of Baltimore employees and the families of the victims of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Governor Wes Moore is expected to sign an emergency bill into law on Tuesday that would provide some financial support.

The Key bridge collapse has impacted so many factors across Maryland especially the Port of Baltimore. With the port closed and expected to partially open later this month, it’s definitely impacted employees.

The “Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade (PORT) Act” will use “rainy day” funds to to help port employees without work and those who do not have the insurance to cover them during the closing or partial closure of the port.

Lawmakers also plan to use state reserves to help keep small businesses around the port.

The same bill will also provide a scholarship to help the family members of the construction workers killed when the bridge collapsed.

Baltimore bridge collapse: Who are the 6 victims?

It’s called the “Fallen Transportation Workers Scholarship Fund.” Those dependent on anyone of the victims that lost their life will get tuition assistance.

This comes two weeks since the Key Bridge collapsed when a cargo ship crashed into the bridge. Eight construction workers were sitting in their cars taking a break from fixing pot holes when it happened. Two of them survived, the other 6 were presumed dead.

So far first responders were able to recover the bodies of 3 of the workers.

In a joint statement Governor Wes Moore, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, and Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman said,

“These families deserve closure – and our team continues to focus on the recovery of their loved ones. The collapse of the key bridge has resulted in a complex, dangerous situation for everyone involved in this operation. But our commitment to bringing closure with dignity will not waver.”

Some of the money from this bill will also help encourage businesses that have had to move to other ports to come back to the port of Baltimore when it reopens.

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