Gov. Wes Moore told reporters he will not “take his foot off the paddle” when it comes to pushing Congress on funding for rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
I think the thing that we want to continue to do, and I think we’re going to see it from the Maryland delegation and from myself, is that we are not going to take our foot off the paddle. It’s important that we continue to work with both Democrats and Republicans, both sides of the aisle, to ensure that we’re going to get this done on time and on budget,” he said.
The Maryland governor also thanked President Joe Biden for including funds for the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the emergency supplemental request submitted on Monday, Nov 18.
In a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Biden asked for almost $100 billion in emergency relief funding, which includes resources for the rebuilding of the Key Bridge.
ALSO READ | SUN: Biden asks Congress to fund 100% of Key Bridge rebuild as part of disaster aid
“We are deeply appreciative of the president including the Baltimore bridge funding,” Moore said.
During his visit to the Port of Baltimore in October, Biden called on Congress to fully fund the reconstruction of the Francis Key Bridge by the end of this year.
“As I promised last spring, we won’t stop until the new bridge is finished completely. Finished. Finished. Finished. I am calling on Congress to fully fund it this year, before we go out. This year,” Biden said.
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“He fulfilled his word,” Moore said of Biden’s commitment to rebuilding efforts.
Although Moore said he is “confident that we will have this bridge up by 2028,” the future of the collapsed bridge is unknown.
Maryland U.S. House Rep. Andy Harris believes the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key bridge will be paid out of federal disaster funds but is not positive the project will be finalized within the next few months.
During a live interview on FOX45 News, Congressman Andy Harris said there are other emergency projects that could be competing with Maryland for funds.
“I am pretty sure ultimately it will be paid out of disaster funds, but right now there’s a lot of competition for those funds,” Harris said, referencing the destruction left behind in the South by Hurricane Helene.
ALSO READ | Rep. Harris: ‘Not sure’ if full federal funds for Key Bridge rebuild will come soon
“It is imperative to the people of this state, and frankly people of this country, that we get the bridge back rebuilt, and when we do that we’ll have a fully operational, fully capable, Port of Baltimore,” Moore said.
The U.S. Senate will hold a hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to “examine disaster funding needs,” which includes the future of funds for the reconstruction of the Key Bridge.
