Maryland board approves $50.3M contract for bridge collapse debris removal

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Governor Wes Moore's Maryland board approved a $50.3 million emergency contract to pay a Swedish construction company for debris removal following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March. Despite objections citing a lack of fair competition in the no-bid contract, Bruce Gartner of the Maryland Transportation Authority defended the decision, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the company's ability to comply with state laws. The collapse, which resulted from a cargo ship crashing into a bridge column, claimed the lives of six construction workers. The emergency contract with Skanska USA Civil Southeast Inc. was necessary to clear debris from the Patapsco River channels, enabling salvage and commercial vessels to operate post-collapse. Critics, including Marshall Brown representing labor groups, raised concerns about the contract's deviation from standard procurement processes. However, Gartner stressed that the engineers acted professionally in selecting a company already operating in the state, given the magnitude of the emergency. Governor Moore highlighted the bridge's significance to Maryland's economy and stressed the urgency of its reconstruction, emphasizing its vital role in national economic activity through the Port of Baltimore. Moore expressed the need for bipartisan support in rebuilding the bridge, with plans to complete a new span by fall 2028. The focus on reconstruction was underscored as a necessity rather than a nostalgic endeavor, given the bridge's critical role in economic flow. The approval of the emergency contract, despite objections, signifies a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge following the tragic collapse. With a clear focus on economic necessity and the importance of restoring vital transportation infrastructure, Maryland aims to address the aftermath of the disaster and ensure the continued functionality of the Port of Baltimore for national economic activities.