Gov. Moore: Crews remove 1,100 tons of steel from Key Bridge collapse site

Salvage crews in Baltimore are doing some heavy lifting as they work to clear the wreckage of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge and open a third temporary shipping channel by month’s end.

Speaking at an afternoon news conference on Tuesday, Gov. Wes Moore said in the three weeks since the collapse, crews have removed 1,100 tons of steel from the Patapsco River, which is equivalent to five times the weight of the Statue of Liberty.

Moore noted this has been done without a single injury on the job.

In a show of bipartisan unity, the Democratic governor was joined by former Republican Gov. Bob Ehrlich and GOP state lawmakers who helped pass the Maryland PORT Act, emergency legislation that supports businesses and workers impacted by the collapse.

READ MORE: Maryland makes bipartisan case for federal funding after Key Bridge collapse

Moore says he plans to travel to Washington again to continue the push for full federal funding to rebuild the bridge.

Mayor Scott Announces Recipients of ARPA-Funded $3.6 Million “Diversity in Arts Grant”

Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the recipients of the $3.6 million Diversity in Arts Grant. The arts grant, made possible with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, is part of a total of $6.25 million focused on supporting arts and cultural institutions led by diverse arts and cultural organizations announced in September 2023. The Diversity in Arts Grant funding will help awardees sustain and expand their work as they provide Baltimore City residents with quality art experiences and activities.

“Baltimore has always been a city defined by the arts, and our art community remains a cornerstone of our city’s identity, reflecting our history, diversity, and resilience,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Baltimore’s arts community has always been there to express what this city is about, often giving a voice to the voiceless. However, public dollars have too often gone just to the big names and the big players in town. This investment, made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, underscores our dedication to ensuring that all artists and communities, particularly those minority and historically underrepresented organizations, have equitable access to resources and opportunities.”

“When we invest in the arts, we invest in the soul of our city, nurturing a vibrant culture that attracts talent, stimulates innovation, and generates economic prosperity,” said Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture Senior Advisor Tonya R. Miller Hall. “The arts are not just an expression of our city’s spirit; they are a powerful engine driving our future forward.”

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