Maryland Awards Emergency Contract for Key Bridge Debris Removal

Maryland's Board, led by Gov. Wes Moore, approved a $50.3 million emergency contract with Skanska USA Civil Southeast Inc., a Swedish construction company, to remove debris from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. While the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers handled federal channel debris, Skanska was chosen for other channel clearance due to its prior successful projects. The decision faced opposition citing concerns of fair procurement processes, but officials defended it as necessary for immediate action. The contract, crucial for maritime operations, aligns with federal efforts for bridge reconstruction, estimated to cost between $1.7 to $1.9 billion and targeted for completion by fall 2028.