Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) has stated that the federal government will bear the majority of the cost for repairing Baltimore's Francis Scott Key bridge which collapsed last week after being struck by a cargo ship. The estimated cost of the repair ranges between $400 million and $2 billion. The bridge, which connected Hawkins Point, Baltimore, and Dundalk, Md., was essential for hazardous material trucks needing an alternative route to the area's tunnels.

In an interview with Louisville radio host Terry Meiners, McConnell emphasized that it is the federal government's responsibility to fund the repairs. This stance comes amidst some Republican pushback, questioning whether the rest of the nation should contribute to the cleanup expenses. Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) referred to President Biden's suggestion of federal funding for the disaster as "outrageous" on Fox Business.

President Biden is scheduled to visit Baltimore on Friday to assess the damage caused by the collapsed bridge. Rebuilding this crucial infrastructure project could potentially receive substantial funding from the federal Highway Trust Fund and the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure investment law passed by Congress in 2021. However, additional funding may require congressional approval due to the complexity and the high costs associated with the project.

The bridge collapse has severely disrupted traffic to one of the nation's busiest ports. In 2023 alone, the port handled over 50 million tons of foreign cargo, including more than 750,000 cars and trucks. Restoring the bridge's functionality is of utmost importance to ensure the smooth flow of goods and maintain the port's efficiency.

With the federal government set to play a significant role in financing the repairs, the focus now shifts to securing the necessary funding and expediting the reconstruction process. Restoring the Francis Scott Key bridge will not only resolve the current traffic disruptions but also ensure the safe and efficient passage of hazardous material trucks through the area.