The governor wants the federal government to pay 100 percent of the cost for the bridge’s reconstruction, estimated at $3.1 billion.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore called on Congress on July 8 to pass a bipartisan bill to fund the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge over Baltimore’s harbor after it collapsed when a container ship hit it on March 26.
“This is something that’s … a priority for this country, for our economic growth and development,” he told The Epoch Times.
Mr. Moore and federal officials, including President Joe Biden, have suggested that the federal government fund the reconstruction of the bridge, which carries highway traffic on the heavily traveled Interstate 95 network around Baltimore.
The Biden administration on June 28 submitted a $4 billion funding request to Congress, including $3.1 billion to fully pay for rebuilding the bridge. The request has faced skepticism from some Republicans in the House, where they have a majority and could block the bill.
“Congress still has roughly six months to act before any cost-share changes might occur,” Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) said in May.
Mr. Graves is the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which would have jurisdiction over the bill.
Republicans are concerned about cost estimates for the bridge’s reconstruction.
“It’s important we have a very firm estimate before we take any further action,” Mr. Graves said.
Mr. Moore said approving the president’s request would be the most bipartisan act that Congress could accomplish in its remaining time this session.
A lot of people are going to benefit from the measure, he said.
“But we’ve still got to make sure that we can move fast. I think that’s something we can do on a bipartisan basis,” Mr. Moore said.
Maryland is currently evaluating proposals for the bridge’s reconstruction, which is planned to be completed by 2028. Current debates about funding relate to whether the federal government will fully pay the eventual bill and cover other costs, such as insurance and maritime liability claims that have been filed regarding damage and disruptions from the collapse.
By Arjun Singh
