Maryland Democratic Gov. Moore announces program to help Baltimore businesses after bridge collapse

Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore launched a program to help Port of Baltimore businesses that were harmed by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge get back on their feet. 

“We must do everything in our power to support the 8,000 Port workers whose jobs have been directly affected by the collapse of the Key Bridge — and the thousands more who have been touched by this crisis,” Moore said in a Friday statement. 

The program, titled the "Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program," will offer "grants to eligible organizations directly impacted by the reduced operations at the Port” and will strive to “minimize or eliminate the need for layoffs by enabling businesses to retain their employees until the Port fully reopens,” according to the policy.

Those eligible to apply for the program have to be Maryland-based businesses, labor unions and trade associations. 

The program allows employers to apply for up to $200,000 and there is a maximum expenditure of $7,500 per worker, according to The Hill. 

Last month, a container ship lost power and ended up colliding with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in the collapse. 

Moore has emphasized the negative impact of the collapse on the economy. “This is not just about Maryland,” he said. “This is about the nation’s economy. The port handles more cars and more farm equipment than any other port in America.”