Maryland lawmakers say coming bill will clarify that feds fully pay for replacing Baltimore bridge

By KEVIN FREKING
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Members of Maryland’s congressional delegation say they’ll soon introduce a bill that’ll make clear the federal government will fully cover the cost of rebuilding the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. The legislation will also make clear any money recovered from third parties will be used to reimburse federal taxpayers. The federal government generally picks up 90% of the tab and the state 10% when replacing bridges. But Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland said Tuesday exceptions have been made in similar emergency cases. Cardin says the fundamental issue now is “passing legislation to clarify that this is 100% a federal responsibility.” The bridge collapsed last month after it was struck by a cargo ship.