U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is setting a meeting with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore following a publicized notice of concerns regarding the spiraling costs of the Francis Scott Key Bridge reconstruction. The initial project cost was pegged at roughly $1.9 billion with a slated completion by 2028. That cost has since burgeoned to an estimated $4.3 to $5.2 billion, with completion pushed back to 2030, a significant overage and delay that's drawn federal scrutiny.
According to a statement from Duffy's office, the Trump Administration is concerned enough to bring Gov. Moore to the table. "Maryland’s highways help connect thousands to our nation’s capital, and as part of our effort to revitalize the area and make it safe and beautiful, holding leaders accountable at every level is essential to making sure taxpayer dollars are used effectively and efficiently," said Secretary Duffy, as reported by WMAR2-News. This sentiment mirrors concerns he voiced in a previous letter sent to Gov. Moore in September.
The talks are expected to not only address the Key Bridge rebuild but also the stagnant American Legion Memorial Bridge project, an effort to alleviate congestion along the I-495/I-270 corridor, which was a significant issue for former Gov. Larry Hogan. The Federal Highway Administration, in an attempt to kickstart progress, has issued a new Request for Information to gather public suggestions on how to expedite the work on this project. "Governor Moore's lack of action on the American Legion Bridge corridor is holding back progress on one of the nation’s most critical transportation routes," said Federal Highway Administration Administrator Sean McMaster, as per FOX Baltimore report.
The administration's push for dialogue comes amidst attempts to openly utilize public feedback to potentially swiftly guide multi-state planning efforts. Moore's senior press secretary, Ammar Moussa, noted the governor is actively engaging with “bipartisan Congressional leadership and the Trump Administration” to move quickly on the Key Bridge rebuild effort, "and remains open to innovative ways to improve the American Legion Bridge with the federal government.” Details on the forthcoming meeting between Duffy and Moore are yet to be solidified, but they are anticipated to take place in the coming weeks, according to FOX Baltimore.
