Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is facing a daunting task as he works to clear the rubble of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and restore access to the Port of Baltimore. The cargo ship Dali remains stuck under the collapsed bridge, blocking traffic to the port and causing major disruptions to the supply chain.
Joined by Vice Adm. Peter Gautier of the Coast Guard, Buttigieg outlined the urgent effort to clean up the debris and stabilize the ship. The Coast Guard and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must dismantle the bridge and remove the containers of potentially hazardous materials before the port can be reopened.
Buttigieg acknowledged that rebuilding will be a challenging and costly endeavor, but he assured reporters that the government is committed to getting the job done. He emphasized the importance of reopening the port, which handles millions of dollars worth of cargo every day and employs thousands of workers.
The Secretary also made it clear that any parties found negligent in the accident will be held accountable, and that the government is committed to tearing down any barriers, bureaucratic or financial, to expedite the reconstruction process.
As divers survey the ship and work to separate it from the wreckage, the Department of Transportation is working to manage supply chain issues and organize the long-term project of rebuilding the bridge. Buttigieg highlighted the economic importance of the port and the potential impact of its closure on workers and businesses.
The situation remains fluid as officials work to address the immediate challenges and plan for the future. The government’s response to this crisis will be closely watched as they navigate the complex process of clearing the debris and restoring access to the vital Port of Baltimore.
