Key Bridge Resources
Following the sudden tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, many Marylanders are facing unexpected hurdles and challenges. MTBMA has gathered a compilation of resources and support services designed to assist affected workers during this challenging period.
Interested in the Rebuild?
Key Bridge Rebuild: Proposals
Request for Proposals (RFPs) opened July 19, inviting consultant teams to submit proposals for the $75 million General Engineering Consultant contract as part of the Key Bridge Rebuild. Interested bidders can access the RFP on eMMA here. The General Engineering Consultant proposals are due Monday, August 19. MDTA expects to award the contract in February 2025. This contract will have a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goal of 31.5%. As planning & design advances, MDTA will continue to update the community on the future of the bridge development. For more information about the Key Bridge Rebuild, click here.
Resources for Businesses
Rapid Response Services
These are free services offered by the Maryland Department of Labor that provides tailored assistance to workers and businesses affected by the reduction in Port operations. This includes counseling, job placement support, and regulatory guidance. View more about the Rapid Response Services here.
Temporary SBA Recovery Centers
There are three temporary Small Business Recovery Centers currently open. These have federal, state, and local agencies represented at the sites which can help with unemployment insurance, questions, and provide resources regarding the Port's reduction in operations. Learn more about the SBA centers and their hours here.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) has made Maryland businesses impacted by the collapse eligible for low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). The application filing deadline is December 30. Learn more from the fact sheet here.
Resources for Workers
Unemployment Insurance
If you are a Maryland-based employee who has been laid-off or working less hours due to the Key Bridge collapse, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance. Unemployment Insurance offers up to $430 weekly as income replacement until work resumes. Eligibility depends on how you are classified as an employee; self-employed workers and independent contractors are not eligible for Unemployment Insurance but may be eligible for the Port of Baltimore Worker Support Program (Maryland DOL). Online filing is available 24/7 through the DOL's Beacon website: https://beacon.labor.maryland.gov. There are also in-person options available to help workers file claims. As of April 23, an office to help members of the International Longshoremen’s Union and other Port workers with the Worker Support Program and Unemployment Insurance will be located at 2501 Broening Highway near the Seagirt Terminal. This temporary office unit will be equipped with computer terminals to help workers apply for programs. It will be open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
More Resources
The Building Bridges to Recovery Coalition
A number of leading businesses in Maryland have come together to form the Building Bridges to Recovery Coalition. The Coalition includes the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Greater Baltimore Committee, World Trade Center Institute, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Greater Washington Partnership, and many other economic councils and industry associations to help impacted communities. This Coalition aims to serve as a centralized hub to coordinate assistance efforts. Learn more about the Building Bridges to Recovery Coalition here.
Impact Survey
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is requesting feedback from all individuals who may have been impacted by the Key Bridge collapse. We are encouraging everyone to take this survey here.
Baltimore City's 2024 Action Plan and Incident Resources
The Action Plan outlines support for residents impacted by the Port closure by offering utility and rental assistance. View the comprehensive list of resources and efforts on the City of Baltimore's website here.
Donation Options
Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund
If you are in a position to donate, please consider contributing to the Baltimore Community Foundation's fund to provide recovery resources to those impacted by the collapse. Learn more about the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund here.
Key Bridge Emergency Response Fund
The money raised by this program will be distributed to the families of those impacted by the collapse. Please consider donating to the Key Bridge Emergency Response Fund here.
