Governor Wes Moore has announced a series of resources  available to businesses and workers impacted by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.

The Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade (PORT) Act will establish $60 million in temporary relief programs for impacted businesses and workers connected to the Port of Baltimore.

• The Department of Commerce will administer a $15 million program to businesses directly impacted by the disruption of port operations. The Port of Baltimore Emergency Business Assistance Program will provide grants of up to $100,000 to eligible applicants.
• The Department of Labor  will administer a $12.5 million program for worker retention to businesses at risk of layoffs. The Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program will provide grants of up to $200,000 to ensure workers continue their employment.
• Labor will also administer the $15 million Port of Baltimore Worker Support Program for workers not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, such as truck drivers and warehouse workers who are independent contractors.

In addition to the PORT Act, the Department of Housing and Community Development will provide $15 million in grants and low-interest loans to impacted businesses through its Neighborhood BusinessWorks program . Through an Executive Order , the governor also has directed several other state agencies to provide assistance and services to displaced workers and impacted businesses.

“The Port of Baltimore is one of our state’s vital economic organs and the thousands of workers and businesses that depend on Port operations have been directly impacted by the Key Bridge collapse,” said Governor Moore. “As we work as quickly – and as safely – as possible to clear the debris and open the commercial shipping channels, we are working in partnership with our partners at the local and federal levels of government, private sector, nonprofit sector, and philanthropic sector to respond to this economic crisis with the urgency that it deserves.”

For those interested in talking to a representative, three business recovery centers  have been set up in the region. The centers are located at the CCBC Dundalk Campus; Arundel Christian Church in Glen Burnie; and the CareFirst Engagement Center in Baltimore City, and are open Monday - Saturday, with representatives from the Small Business Administration, as well as state, county, and city organizations.

The Small Business Administration is also providing Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) of up to $2 million to help businesses overcome any temporary loss of revenue stemming from the bridge collapse. Those interested can apply on SBA’s website .

Lastly, the state, city, and county governments are evaluating the impact on the local business community. If your business has been impacted, please complete this survey  to help provide a better understanding of the situation, so solutions can be developed for your business.

For the latest traffic information on the Key Bridge situation, visit mdta.maryland.gov/keybridgenews .