The Biden administration has made a request to Congress to allow the federal government to cover 100% of the costs for reconstructing the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed last week. This request was outlined in a letter sent to congressional leaders by Shalanda Young, the director of the Office of Management and Budget.
In the letter, Young highlighted the importance of this request by referencing past instances where Congress swiftly acted to address catastrophic bridge collapses. Specifically, she mentioned the bipartisan response following the collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minnesota back in 2007.
The administration's primary goal is to ensure that the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland receive the necessary support to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge. This bridge holds significant importance for the nation's workers and economy, making its reconstruction a top priority.
Young expressed the administration's readiness to collaborate with Congress in order to facilitate the reconstruction process effectively. By providing full federal funding for the project, the government aims to expedite the restoration of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and minimize disruptions to transportation and commerce in the region.