I commend the Francis Scott Key Bridge Response Unified Command team and all those involved in the tireless efforts to fully reopen the Fort McHenry Federal Channel in the Port of Baltimore. The progress made since my visit in April with Chairman Maffei is nothing short of astounding and none of it was possible without the robust leadership of the Biden Administration and cooperation between federal, state, local, and private institutions.
Of utmost importance is that the return of cargo vessels and cruise ships to the Port translates to normalization of the supply chain and restoration of jobs, including the return of good-paying unionized jobs in the Port. I fully support the ongoing cleanup efforts and look forward to continued success in reopening the Port of Baltimore and the rebuilding of the Key Bridge.
The Key Bridge response demonstrated what can be accomplished when we all work together to keep the cargo moving.
Max Vekich is a Commissioner with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. The thoughts and comments expressed here are his own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Commission.