MSCI Asks U.S. Lawmakers To Prioritize Funding For Transportation Emergency Relief Program

With the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and about four dozen other organizations, the Metals Service Center Institute sent a letter last week to all members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate asking that they prioritize funding for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Emergency Relief Program (ERP) to replace Baltimore, Md.’s Francis Scott Key Bridge and to provide support for other critical national assets impacted by unforeseen disasters.

The letter, which is available at this link, noted that, prior to its collapse on March 26, 2024, the Key Bridge handled nearly 39,000 vehicles per day, including approximately 4,900 trucks carrying $28 billion in goods annually. Its loss has created a severe bottleneck for the region that impacts thousands of businesses and commuters all over the country, including and especially those that rely on the Port of Baltimore.

“There is a long history of bipartisan support for federal relief in response to unforeseen challenges impacting critical infrastructure,” the letter explained. “[W]e urge you to continue this strong, bipartisan record and provide the funding needed to address all of the pending requests under the Emergency Relief Program, including the Key Bridge. These funds are vital to reconnecting our economy and helping communities rebuild in the aftermath of disaster.”