A prominent call to action has emerged regarding the future of the **Francis Scott Key Bridge** in Maryland. Retired Rear Admiral **Tom Jurkowsky**, in a recent open letter to **President Donald Trump**, urged the president to reconsider any threats to cut funding for the bridge’s replacement. Jurkowsky emphasized the bridge’s critical importance not only for local traffic but also for national economic stability and security.
The **Key Bridge** serves as a vital artery for commuter traffic and commercial operations, particularly those associated with the **Port of Baltimore**. This port is crucial for maintaining supply chains for various industries, including automobiles and agricultural machinery. The bridge’s functionality directly affects millions of Americans, and Jurkowsky highlighted that the federal funding for its replacement received strong bipartisan support in **2024**, with a House vote of **366-34** and a Senate approval of **85-11**.
Economic Impact of the Port
The **Port of Baltimore** is a significant economic engine, generating nearly **$4 billion** in business revenue, over **$5 billion** in personal income, and **$647 million** in state and local tax revenues. Ranking first in the U.S. for handling auto and machinery imports, the port also accounts for **28%** of the nation’s coal exports. In **2023**, the port managed a record **52.3 million tons** of foreign cargo valued at approximately **$81 billion**.
Since **1998**, container volume through the port has surged by **92%**, with auto cargo increasing by **196%**. The port supports around **15,000** direct jobs and nearly **140,000** related jobs across **Maryland**. The **Key Bridge** previously facilitated between **30,000** and **35,000** vehicles daily, including a significant number of trucks transporting goods to and from the port. The American Trucking Association estimated that about **4,900** trucks per day, carrying goods valued at **$28 billion** annually, required rerouting after the bridge’s collapse last year. This rerouting has increased logistical complexities and costs for businesses.
Bipartisan Support and National Responsibility
The overwhelming bipartisan support for funding the Key Bridge underscores its importance for both local and national interests. Jurkowsky pointed to the need for unity in prioritizing infrastructure that benefits all Americans, not just those in Maryland. He urged President Trump to transcend partisan lines and acknowledge his responsibility to govern for the entire nation.
In **April 2024**, President Trump signed an executive order titled “**Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance**,” aimed at revitalizing U.S. maritime industries. While **Baltimore** may no longer be a hub for shipbuilding, its significance as a logistical center remains vital. Jurkowsky cautioned against allowing political motivations to jeopardize the capabilities that the port and bridge represent.
He concluded his letter by emphasizing the importance of the Key Bridge project for the future of America’s infrastructure. According to Jurkowsky, the president’s support for the new bridge would demonstrate a commitment to serving the nation’s interests above partisan politics. As the discussion around infrastructure funding continues, the fate of the **Francis Scott Key Bridge** stands as a critical issue for both local communities and the broader economy.
