Washington – President Biden said Tuesday that he believes the federal government should pay for all of the rebuilding costs. francis scott key bridge In Baltimore, container ship The crash occurred early Tuesday.
“It is my intention that the federal government pays for the full cost of rebuilding the bridge, and I look forward to Congress supporting my efforts,” Biden said in remarks from the White House. He added that he plans to visit Baltimore. as soon as possible.
The president also said, “I want to say to the people of Baltimore: We stand with you.” “We will be with you as long as you need us.”
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Maryland, said Biden “has committed to the full support of the federal government.” Whalen said removing the waterway under the bridge was a top priority because thousands of jobs were “at immediate risk” and could have ripple effects throughout the economy.
“We need to clean that waterway, and of course replacing the bridge will come next, but we're working very hard to mobilize these resources to get that job done,” he said on CBS News. “I'm going to have to work hard,” he said. “America will decide.” “First, search and rescue. Second, we will clean the waterways and reopen the ports. Third, we will rebuild the bridges.”
Van Hollen said about 35,000 people cross the bridge a day to get to and from Baltimore, and port workers earn about $2 million in wages each day.
Diverting vehicle traffic will have an impact, “but the bigger economic impact, at least for the next few months, will be at the Port of Baltimore. Unless ships can come in and out, it will have a negative impact on jobs there.” . ”
Van Hollen said it was too early to put a price tag on how much it would cost to replace the bridge, and called on Congress to work together to quickly provide funding.
Federal authorities said Tuesday they do not believe the crash was an intentional act, adding there is no evidence the incident is related to terrorism.
Federal and state authorities, including the National Transportation Safety Board, continue to investigate, and search and rescue operations have been underway since the collapse sent vehicles and people into the water.
William J. Del Bagno, the special agent in charge of the case, said: “There is no specific or credible information that suggests this case has a terrorist connection.'' FBI Baltimore Field Officeduring a press conference Tuesday morning.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said Tuesday afternoon that authorities are leading the investigation, noting that search and rescue is still ongoing and remains focused on people and families.
“The rest of us have to wait,” Homendy said, noting there wasn't much information to share at the time.
francis scott key bridge folded after a large container ship collided with a support post around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.
The 2.6-mile bridge spans the Patapsco River in the Port of Baltimore and was built in the 1970s. The bridge's name comes from “The Star-Spangled Banner” author Francis Scott's key.
Karl Marton Ferron/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images
Tuesday's sinking occurred after the Singapore-flagged cargo ship “lost propulsion” and crashed into a bridge support tower, according to an unclassified Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency memo reviewed by CBS News and confirmed by law enforcement officials. It happened after a collision.
Officials said at a news conference that crews issued a mayday before the crash, allowing authorities to begin a traffic stop on the bridge. Officials have not said how many vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the collapse, but Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the decision to stop traffic “saved lives last night.”
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said on social media. post On Tuesday morning, he met with Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott to offer the Department of Transportation's support after the bridge collapse. The Ministry of Transport is expected to inject emergency response funds.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas Said The U.S. Coast Guard was on the scene and conducted search and rescue operations in conjunction with state and local partners. Mayorkas said there was “no indication” that the incident was intentional. He said the department is assessing the impact on the Port of Baltimore.
Moore said authorities continue to investigate the incident, but “preliminary investigation indicates it was an accident.” Moore declared a state of emergency early Tuesday. saying He was working with the Biden administration to commit federal resources.
Van Hollen said the president also ordered the Army Corps of Engineers to be on the scene to clear the area under the bridge and clear the channel.
Nicole Sganga contributed reporting.
