Administration of Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 2024

June 12, 2024

I made clear that my administration would move heaven and earth to reopen the Port of Baltimore, one of our Nation's largest shipping hubs. Today, thanks to the tireless work by the men and women in the Unified Command, the full navigation channel is now open to all vessel traffic, allowing a full return of commerce to the Port of Baltimore.

Within minutes of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the U.S. Coast Guard arrived on the scene. They established a Unified Command the same day to support rescue-and- recovery operations and worked with the Army Corps of Engineers around the clock to remove the wreckage from the channel. My Departments of Transportation and Labor and the Small Business Administration worked hand in hand with Federal and State partners to limit supply chain impacts and keep costs down for Americans and to support impacted workers and small businesses. I want to thank Governor Moore for his steadfast leadership, Mayor Scott, County Executive Olszewski, and the Maryland congressional delegation. The partnership between Federal, State, and local governments, labor leaders like the longshoremen who keep this hub running, and the business community shows what we can get done when we work together.

Our hearts remain with the families of the victims of the bridge collapse, and we will continue to stand with the community throughout this period of recovery. Thank you to the people of Baltimore for showing us what it means to be Maryland tough and Baltimore strong. Baltimore can count on us to stick with them every step of the way, and we will continue to have your back until the bridge is rebuilt.

NOTE: The statement referred to County Executive John A. Olszewski, Jr., of Baltimore County, MD.

Categories: Statements by the President : Port of Baltimore reopening.

Names: Moore, Westley W.O. "Wes"; Olszewski, John A., Jr.; Scott, Brandon M.

Subjects: Army Corps of Engineers, U.S.; Global supply chain disruptions, efforts to address; Maryland, collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore; Maryland, Governor; Maryland, Port of Baltimore reopening.

DCPD Number: DCPD202400507.

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