President, Secretary of Transportation Threaten Key Bridge Funding

September 24, 2025

The Trump administration is challenging Maryland's approach to rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed in March 2024. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to Governor Wes Moore expressing concerns about potential race and gender-based contracting requirements for the project, currently projected for completion in 2028. Governor Moore responded by emphasizing the port's economic importance, bridge safety priorities, and the efficient clearing of the channel in just 11 weeks.

Who is affected

Maryland residents and economy
The Port of Baltimore users and workers
Regional transportation users
The broader national economy that relies on Port of Baltimore cargo
Potential contractors for the bridge rebuilding project

What action is being taken

Secretary Duffy is seeking a meeting with Governor Moore
The bridge reconstruction project continues in the design phase
Demolition and pre-construction work is currently underway
Maryland's congressional Democrats are defending the project procurement process
Maryland officials are working to ensure the bridge rebuilding proceeds efficiently

Why it matters

More than 10% of Maryland's economy depends on the Port of Baltimore
The bridge serves as a vital transportation artery for the broader region
The port cargo flowing through Baltimore is needed nationwide
The federal government has committed to covering rebuilding costs
The bridge reconstruction is described as a national priority

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer