Salvage crews at the site of the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore have shifted their attention to the extensive amount of debris resting on top of the Dali, a large cargo ship that caused the deadly catastrophe last month. During a news conference on Friday, officials revealed that an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 tons of steel and concrete fell onto the ship's deck when it collided with one of the bridge's supporting columns, resulting in the bridge's collapse. The removal of this debris is crucial before refloating the stationary ship and guiding it back into the Port of Baltimore.

Overhead photos displayed during the conference showcased a section of roadway crushing the bow of the ship. Currently, cranes have successfully lifted approximately 120 containers from the Dali, with an additional 20 containers remaining to be removed. Once this process concludes, workers will be able to construct a staging area and begin extracting the damaged steel and crumbling concrete from the vessel. It should be noted that the Dali was carrying around 4,000 containers and was en route to Sri Lanka before losing power soon after departing from Baltimore.

In terms of tragic loss, six members of a roadwork crew perished when the bridge collapsed, and two bodies are still unaccounted for. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott solemnly addressed this distressing fact during the news conference, highlighting the families still waiting for closure.

As salvage operations continue alongside ongoing federal and law enforcement investigations, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has emphasized the urgent need to rebuild the bridge. The collapsed 1.6 mile (2.6 kilometer) span played a crucial role in connecting working-class communities on either side of Baltimore's harbor, facilitating the movement of steelworkers, longshoremen, and East Coast truckers across the Patapsco River without driving through downtown.

Governor Moore revealed that he held discussions with congressional leaders from both parties in Washington on Thursday, expressing the importance of securing funding for the bridge's reconstruction. He expressed optimism, as the representatives indicated their understanding of the bridge's significance.

President Joe Biden, who visited Baltimore following the collapse, has joined the call to Congress, urging for federal government authorization to cover 100% of the cleanup and reconstruction costs. However, obtaining bipartisan support for this proposal may prove challenging, as certain hardline congressional Republicans have already introduced contentious requirements to offset the funding.

While the bridge reconstruction plans are being discussed, efforts are underway to reopen the port's main channel, which has been blocked since the collapse. Utilizing colossal floating cranes, approximately 1,300 tons of steel have been removed from the channel without any worker injuries reported. Authorities anticipate establishing a temporary access channel by the end of the month, allowing for the resumption of maritime traffic through one of the East Coast's busiest transit hubs.

In the meantime, various local, state, and federal programs are providing financial assistance to unemployed port workers and others affected by the closure. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, a resident who grew up near the bridge, expressed confidence in the community's resilience, stating, "That same steel resolve will help us meet this moment, reopen our port, and rebuild the Key Bridge."

The rebuilding process remains a top priority, as Baltimore relies on a fully operational Port of Baltimore to maintain its economic stability and ensure the smooth flow of commerce.