Biden will travel to Baltimore on Friday to survey damage from last week’s collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and speak with local officials, the White House said Monday.


Biden vowed last week to visit the bridge, which collapsed early Tuesday after being rammed by a massive cargo ship, killing six construction workers. The bodies of four victims have not yet been found and are believed to be tangled in the mass of twisted steel and debris.


 “The president is continuing to lead a whole-of-government approach to the collapse,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a press briefing on Monday while confirming the timing of the visit. She added that Biden and his advisers continue to work with officials including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, the state’s congressional delegation and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott “to reopen the port, rebuild the bridge and support the people of Baltimore.”


Biden vowed shortly after the bridge’s collapse that the federal government would  bear the cost of clearing debris and rebuilding the bridge. Funding could come from the Federal Highway Administration as well as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, but the project may require additional funding from Congress.

Last edited by Spunky (4/01/2024 2:44 pm)