Joe Biden Spends $60 million in Aid After Baltimore Bridge Collapse

United States – The administration of the United States President Joe Biden has approved US$60 million in federal funding to rebuild the Baltimore Bridge after being hit by a Singapore-flagged cargo ship last Tuesday.

The US Department of Transportation on Thursday authorized the funding to begin emergency reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The entire cost of the project is expected to reach $2 billion or IDR 31,7 trillion.

"These funds serve as a down payment toward initial costs, and additional Emergency Relief program funding will be made available as work continues," the Transportation Department said in a statement, as quoted from Anadolu Ajansi site.

The ship carrying nearly 4,700 containers struck the bridge early Tuesday morning leaving six people dead. The collapse of the structure brought traffic to a halt at one of the busiest ports in the US.

"No one will ever forget the shocking images of a container vessel striking the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing its collapse and the tragic loss of six people,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. 

"The federal emergency funds we’re releasing today will help Maryland begin urgent work, to be followed by further resources as recovery and rebuilding efforts progress,"

Maryland Governor Wes Moore said the largest crane on the Eastern Seaboard is currently being transported by a barge to help clear the ship channel of massive amounts of mangled metal and concrete from the collapse. The crane can lift up to 1,000 tons (987,104 kilograms) per load.

"This is not just about Maryland. This is about the nation’s economy. The port handles more cars and more farm equipment than any other port in America," Moore explained.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden said that the federal government would mobilize forces to rebuild the bridge. However, this was met with backlash from Republican lawmakers who are concerned about excessive government spending.

In addition, the National Transportation Safety Board is in the early stages of investigating the accident.