Maryland’s legislative leaders are rapidly advancing a comprehensive relief package aimed at providing vital assistance to workers and businesses severely impacted by the catastrophic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge last week. The bridge spanning the Patapsco River was struck by a cargo ship that appeared to lose power, causing a section to crumble into the water where construction workers were present.
The tragic incident, which occurred around 1:30 a.m. on April 26th, has already claimed two lives after the bodies of two construction workers were recovered from a submerged pickup truck. Four other workers remain unaccounted for amidst the wreckage. In the wake of this calamity, all shipping activities at the critical Port of Baltimore have been suspended, leaving thousands of port workers and related businesses facing an uncertain future.
The Port of Baltimore is a pivotal economic engine for the state, handling over $111 billion in exports and $36 billion in imports during 2023 alone. Its role is nationally significant, ranking 9th in the country for both international cargo tonnage and total foreign cargo value last year.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the proposed Maryland PORT Act has gained robust bipartisan support from Senate President Bill Ferguson, Sen. Johnny Ray Salling, and Del. Luke Clippinger. During a Senate Finance Committee hearing on Tuesday, Ferguson and Salling underscored the pressing need for swift action, with Ferguson stating, “We have to be able to act to protect Maryland workers,” and Salling adding, “We cannot do this without us working together as a team.”
The legislation tasks the Maryland Department of Labor with creating a temporary relief program to provide assistance to port workers unable to work due to the closure and ineligible for unemployment benefits. Similarly, the Department of Commerce would establish a parallel program for small businesses impacted by the port’s shutdown, requiring them to maintain normal pay and benefits for their employees.
Funds from the state’s Rainy Day Fund are expected to finance the relief measures, which must be distributed by June 30, 2025. Additionally, a scholarship fund will be created to support families who lost loved ones working on Maryland’s roadways.
After unanimous approval from the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, the comprehensive relief package could potentially receive a vote on the Senate floor as early as Wednesday, underscoring the legislature’s commitment to swiftly addressing the far-reaching consequences of this infrastructural catastrophe.