To the Members of the United States Congress:
The undersigned organizations urge you to prioritize funding to the Department of Transportation’s Emergency Relief Program (ERP) to replace the Francis Scott Key Bridge and other critical national assets impacted by unforeseen disasters.
Prior to its collapse on March 26th, the Key Bridge handled nearly 39,000 vehicles per day, including approximately 4,900 trucks carrying $28 billion in goods annually. Its loss has created a severe bottleneck for the region, that impacts thousands of businesses and commuters including those who rely on the Port of Baltimore.
Truckers and commuters are now traveling up to two hours to access the Port of Baltimore and other areas in eastern Maryland, impacting the local and national economy. For businesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, these delays translate to increased costs and lost revenue, directly impacting their bottom lines and, ultimately, the broader economy. Long term, these increased costs will hurt the competitiveness of the region as traffic congestion slows supply chains, extends commutes, and limits access to critical services.
In addition to the Key Bridge, there is a backlog of deserving projects that need ERP funding. These roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure projects are vital to both local communities and the national economy. Without the needed repairs and replacements, these damaged assets risk causing further disruption and delaying recovery for entire regions. Investing in these projects now will help keep our transportation system resilient and ready for future challenges while safeguarding national supply chains.
There is a long history of bipartisan support for federal relief in response to unforeseen challenges impacting critical infrastructure that helps justify a strong Congressional response to replacing the Key Bridge. As Congress considers an appropriations package, we urge you to continue this strong, bipartisan record and provide the funding needed to address all of the pending requests under the Emergency Relief Program, including the Key Bridge. These funds are vital to reconnecting our economy and helping communities rebuild in the aftermath of disaster.
Thank you for your leadership and attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely,
Alliance for Automotive Innovation
American Apparel & Footwear Association
American Coal Council
American Composites Manufacturers Association
American Council of Engineering Companies
American Foundry Society
American Hotel & Lodging Association
American Road & Transportation Builders Association
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Trucking Associations
Arlington Chamber of Commerce
Associated General Contractors of America
Association of Equipment Manufacturers
Auto Care Association
Baltimore Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association
Career Education Colleges and Universities
Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce
Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce
Coalition for America’s Gateways and Trade Corridors
Consumer Brands Association
The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association
Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce
Halifax County Chamber of Commerce
Harford County Chamber of Commerce
Household & Commercial Products Association
Howard County Chamber of Commerce
Intermodal Association of North America
International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA)
Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce
Maryland Chamber of Commerce
Metals Service Center Institute
National Asphalt Pavement Association
National Association of Surety Bond Producers
National Association of Waterfront Employers
National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA)
National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA)
North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM)
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association
RIMS, the Risk Management Society
Southern Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce
Talbot County Chamber of Commerce
The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC)
The Prince William Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association
U.S. Travel Association
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Window & Door Manufacturers Association
