By Andrew Mollenauer
ANNAPOLIS — Maryland lawmakers marked the second anniversary of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse this week, wearing orange ribbons, remembering victims on the House floor and visiting the site of the tragedy.
“We will never forget the six patriots who were taken from us,’’ Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement Thursday. “We honor the victims, their families and every Marylander who stepped up to serve, showing what it means to be Maryland Tough and Baltimore Strong.”
Moore visited the site of the collapse along with Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, family members of the victims and others. They placed a wreath on the shore of the Patapsco River in honor of the victims.
At the State House, lawmakers wore orange ribbons and remembered the victims in remarks in the House chamber.
Del. Robert Long, R-Baltimore County, said it was important to recognize first responders who were at the scene of the collapse. “We must also remember the people that showed up in the middle of the night, diving to try to save these men and women,” Long said on the House floor.
Six construction workers were killed March 26, 2024, when the Dali, a container ship, crashed into the Key Bridge in Baltimore early in the morning. Reconstruction of the bridge is expected to be completed by late 2030.
Rebuilding the bridge is one way to honor the victims, Del. Marc Korman, D-Montgomery, said.
“It’s great to give words on the House floor about wanting to rebuild the bridge: We also have to vote for the funding,” Korman said after the House session. “Of course, the feds are eventually going to reimburse that based on current law, but we need to front that money.”
Del. Michele Guyton, D-Baltimore County, who represents part of the area impacted by the tragedy, called Thursday “a very difficult day.”
“I’ve been very proud and honored to be a part of this body that supported the work to get that bridge rebuilt so well and so quickly,” Guyton also said after the session. “It’s going to take a while, but we’re doing everything that we can.”
Del. Aletheia McCaskill, D-Baltimore County, praised the commemoration efforts, but said more federal help is needed.
“If you want to dig into the budget, we need commitment from Washington, D.C.’s, administration to help us ensure that we get the funds to rebuild the bridge,’’ she said. “Then we need to make sure those families who were affected … have the resources they need to sustain a life that if their loved one was still here they would be able to have it.”