Maryland Receives $3.5 Million in Emergency Recovery Funding Following Bridge Collapse
The initial grant is part of the National Dislocated Worker Grant program and could extend to as much as $25 million overall.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Apr 12, 2024
Following the devastating Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on March 26, 2024, the federal government has allocated $3.5 million to Maryland to aid in clean-up and recovery operations.
According to a recent release, the initial grant—which could extend up to $25 million—is part of the National Dislocated Worker Grant program and overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. It aims to mitigate the disruption faced by workers due to the bridge collapse, which has affected jobs and hindered operations at the Port of Baltimore.
“As President Biden has made clear, supporting the people who find themselves suddenly out of work after this disaster is an essential part of recovery efforts,” Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su said in a statement. “Through this grant funding, we will prevent further, adverse ripple effects for workers and the surrounding community through training and other resources needed during this difficult time.”
According to Maryland's Department of Labor, an estimated 270,000 jobs in Baltimore and across 23 counties are estimated to feel the effect of the collapse, which occurred after a container ship struck the bridge. The grant is set to subsidize temporary wages for those engaged in recovery efforts and will support training and upskilling for affected workers.
After the disaster, the Small Business Administration declared an Economic Injury Disaster, permitting the state to request federal recovery aid for Baltimore and impacted counties.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor for Environmental Protection.