In the wake of a tragic bridge collapse at the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Dundalk, Maryland, thousands of workers at the Port of Baltimore are facing an uncertain future as cargo shipments come to a halt. The crash, which claimed the lives of six construction workers, has not only disrupted operations but also poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of those who depend on the port for employment.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed concern for the longshore workers, stating that if goods aren't moving, they won't be able to work. This situation has raised anxiety among the workforce, as their job security relies heavily on cargo traffic. The port generates an estimated $2 million in wages each day, making it a critical source of income for workers like crane technician Steve Rehak and his two sons.

Rehak, who has worked at the port for 14 years, understands the devastating impact that a halt in ships' arrival can have on earnings. While he plans to continue working, his hours have been cut, eliminating lucrative overtime. This reduction in income has repercussions for his sons' financial stability as well.

For Shawn Jackson, a longshoreman daily hire, the lack of a timeline for the port's reopening adds to the stress and uncertainty. The Port of Baltimore, which comprises both publicly and privately owned marine terminals, has stated that they do not know when the channel will resume operations, dispelling speculation.

The port's closure has far-reaching implications for the state of Maryland, as approximately 15,300 direct jobs and 140,000 linked jobs rely on its operations. Addressing the urgency of reopening the port, Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasized this as a top priority, announcing that the Small Business Administration had accepted a disaster declaration request. This declaration provides affected small businesses with the opportunity to apply for low-interest loans of up to $2 million in an effort to help them meet their financial obligations and retain employees.

To support the port workers and businesses impacted by the closure, state lawmakers introduced the Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade Act, also known as the PORT Act. The proposed legislation offers assistance to regularly paid port workers who do not qualify for unemployment benefits, supports businesses in retaining their local workforce, and provides incentives for companies to continue operating in Baltimore instead of permanently relocating to other ports.

The PORT Act, led by State Senate President Bill Ferguson, takes lessons learned from the pandemic's impact on the port and applies them to Maryland's current economic emergency. If passed, these measures would come into effect upon Governor Moore's signature. The state's General Assembly adjourns shortly after midnight on April 9, leaving port workers and businesses anxiously awaiting governmental intervention.

In the meantime, union officials are advising members to reach out to their lenders to inquire about deferred payments for mortgages, car loans, and credit cards. The local chapters of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) are set to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss potential solutions and a way forward amidst this challenging situation.

As the Port of Baltimore remains dormant, workers and businesses brace themselves for the impact of a protracted closure. The upcoming summer season, traditionally a busy time for the port, further underscores the urgency of reopening the channel as quickly as possible.