Former U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Tom Jurkowsky has called on President Donald Trump to reconsider his stance on potential funding cuts for the replacement of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. In a recent open letter, Jurkowsky emphasized the bridge’s significance not only for local traffic in Baltimore and Maryland but also for national economic stability and security.
The Key Bridge serves as a crucial artery for commuter traffic and freight movement, particularly for the Port of Baltimore. Jurkowsky pointed out that the bridge is essential for maintaining supply chains that support various industries, including automotive, agriculture, and defense logistics. According to Jurkowsky, any disruption in its funding could have far-reaching implications for millions of Americans.
The economic impact of the Port of Baltimore is substantial. It generates nearly $4 billion in business revenue and over $5 billion in personal income, as well as $647 million in state and local tax revenues. Additionally, the port ranks first in the United States for handling auto and machinery imports and second for coal exports, accounting for 28% of the national total. In 2023, the port handled a record 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo valued at almost $81 billion.
Bridge Collapse and Its Consequences
The recent collapse of the Key Bridge highlighted its critical role in daily transportation. Before its failure, the bridge accommodated between 30,000 and 35,000 vehicles daily, including approximately 4,900 trucks essential for transporting goods worth $28 billion annually. The rerouting of these trucks has increased logistical complexities and costs for numerous businesses relying on the port.
In 2024, the federal funding for the bridge replacement received strong bipartisan support, with the House voting 366-34 and the Senate approving the package with an 85-11 vote. This overwhelming consensus demonstrates that both parties recognize the bridge’s importance in keeping the Port of Baltimore operational and maintaining vital supply chains.
Jurkowsky points to the executive order signed by Trump in April 2024 titled “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” which aims to enhance U.S. maritime industries and counter global competitors like China. He argues that the Key Bridge is integral to this initiative, as it reinforces the logistical capabilities of the port, despite Baltimore’s historical role as a shipbuilding center being in the past.
A Call for Unity and Support
In his letter, Jurkowsky urged Trump to prioritize the bridge’s funding above partisan interests, emphasizing that the president’s role is to govern for all Americans. “Your responsibility as our president is to govern on behalf of the entire nation — not to champion partisan interests,” he wrote.
By supporting the new Key Bridge, Trump would not only honor the bipartisan agreement reached in Congress but also reaffirm his commitment to national infrastructure and economic resilience. Jurkowsky concluded his message with a plea for unity, encouraging the president to rise above politics and focus on the broader implications of infrastructure investment for the country.