Key Bridge Resources
Following the sudden tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, many Marylanders are facing unexpected hurdles and challenges. Whether personally impacted or concerned about the wider effects on the state, resources may available to you. MTBMA has gathered a compilation of resources and support services designed to assist affected workers during this challenging period.
On April 5, 2024, Governor Moore signed an Executive Order establishing temporary relief programs to support workers and businesses affected by the Key Bridge collapse and Port of Baltimore disruptions. The order creates two programs under the Maryland Department of Labor: the Port of Baltimore Worker Support Program and the Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program. These programs were authorized by the Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade (PORT) Act, signed into law on April 9. For more information, refer to the Fact Sheet on Governor Moore’s Executive Order.
Resources for Businesses
Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program
If you are a business facing a reduction in revenue & potential layoffs or reduction in workforce due to the Port's reduced operations, you may be eligible for the Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program. This program can provide up to $200,000 in grant funding to pay for wages (up to $7,500 per worker) and subsidize supportive services, such as skills training for current workers, contributions toward transportation, childcare, and housing costs for workers. Eligible entities include small businesses (defined as having 2-499 workers) , unions, trade associations, and other organizations that have experienced a decline in revenue and operations directly related to the Port slowdown (Maryland DOL). View more about the Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program here.
Port of Baltimore Emergency Business Assistance Program
The Port of Baltimore Emergency Business Fund is a funding resource operated by the Maryland Department of Commerce (Commerce) to support temporary economic and financial relief for eligible businesses impacted by the disrupted Port operations. The application portal opened April 22, 2024. Recipients of grants through this program shall attest to their intent to continue operations at the Port upon full re-opening. Grants of up to $100,000 per business are available. Learn more and apply for the Emergency Business Assistance Program here.
Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) Neighborhood BusinessWorks Program
The Neighborhood BusinessWorks Program will provide up to $15 million for grants & loans to eligible businesses (500 or fewer employees) that have been negatively impacted by the Key Bridge collapse. Learn more on DHCD's website here.
Rapid Response Services
These are free services offered by the Maryland Department of Labor that provides tailored assistance to workers and businesses affected by the reduction in Port operations. This includes counseling, job placement support, and regulatory guidance. View more about the Rapid Response Services here.
Temporary SBA Recovery Centers
There are three temporary Small Business Recovery Centers currently open. These have federal, state, and local agencies represented at the sites which can help with unemployment insurance, questions, and provide resources regarding the Port's reduction in operations. Learn more about the SBA centers and their hours here.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) has made Maryland businesses impacted by the collapse eligible for low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). The application filing deadline is December 30.
Resources for Workers
Port of Baltimore Worker Support Program
If you were a regular employee at the Port of Baltimore and have been affected by the collapse, you could qualify for the Port of Baltimore Worker Support Program. This initiative offers temporary relief payments of $430 per week during the reduced operations period of the Port, subject to fund availability. Eligibility extends to Port workers receiving unemployment insurance benefits, as well as independent contractors an self-employed individuals who meet specific criteria. Learn more about the Port of Baltimore Worker Support Program here.
Unemployment Insurance
If you are a Maryland-based employee who has been laid-off or working less hours due to the Key Bridge collapse, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance. Unemployment Insurance offers up to $430 weekly as income replacement until work resumes. Eligibility depends on how you are classified as an employee; self-employed workers and independent contractors are not eligible for Unemployment Insurance but may be eligible for the Port of Baltimore Worker Support Program (Maryland DOL). Online filing is available 24/7 through the DOL's Beacon website: https://beacon.labor.maryland.gov. There are also in-person options available to help workers file claims. As of April 23, an office to help members of the International Longshoremen’s Union and other Port workers with the Worker Support Program and Unemployment Insurance will be located at 2501 Broening Highway near the Seagirt Terminal. This temporary office unit will be equipped with computer terminals to help workers apply for programs. It will be open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
More Resources
The Building Bridges to Recovery Coalition
A number of leading businesses in Maryland have come together to form the Building Bridges to Recovery Coalition. The Coalition includes the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Greater Baltimore Committee, World Trade Center Institute, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Greater Washington Partnership, and many other economic councils and industry associations to help impacted communities. This Coalition aims to serve as a centralized hub to coordinate assistance efforts. Learn more about the Building Bridges to Recovery Coalition here.
Impact Survey
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is requesting feedback from all individuals who may have been impacted by the Key Bridge collapse. We are encouraging everyone to take this survey here.
Baltimore City's 2024 Action Plan and Incident Resources
The Action Plan outlines support for residents impacted by the Port closure by offering utility and rental assistance. View the comprehensive list of resources and efforts on the City of Baltimore's website here.
Donation Options
Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund
If you are in a position to donate, please consider contributing to the Baltimore Community Foundation's fund to provide recovery resources to those impacted by the collapse. Learn more about the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund here.
Key Bridge Emergency Response Fund
The money raised by this program will be distributed to the families of those impacted by the collapse. Please consider donating to the Key Bridge Emergency Response Fund here.
