It is unfathomable that just a week ago we woke up to the devastating news of the collapse of the Key Bridge and its impact on the Port of Baltimore. We know the Key Bridge and Port event will have far reaching impacts not only for the Baltimore region, but locally as well. Since then, we have begun reaching out to the business community with our economic development partners at the City of Frederick, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, the Office of Agriculture and Visit Frederick. As Team Frederick, we are committed to the health of our local economy and its businesses. As a result, we will provide you information as soon as we are aware. Here are initial resources:

  • Governor Wes Moore launched the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Response Website, which serves as a central hub for Marylanders in search of federal, state, and local resources and programs related to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
  • The State of Maryland, City of Baltimore and counties impacted by the Key Bridge Collapse are evaluating the impact on the local business community. If your business has been impacted, please complete this Business Impact Survey to help provide a better understanding of the situation so the state, city and counties can help develop solutions for your business.
  • The Maryland Department of Labor has created an unemployment insurance hotline for workers affected by the collapse. Impacted workers can call 667-930-5989 from 8am – 5pm, Monday-Friday, or file online in BEACON: beacon.labor.maryland.gov/beacon/claimant-page.html.
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing low-interest, long-term Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to small businesses affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Businesses can apply for up to $2 million to help overcome temporary loss of revenue resulting from the bridge collapse. The funds can be used to pay normal operating expenses such as payroll, accounts payable, fixed debts, and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disruption. Applicants may call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 to learn more about the eligibility requirements or apply online.SBA EIDL – Fact Sheet

    SBA EIDL – Online Application

  • In person Business Recovery Centers
    • Baltimore City Center
      1501 S. Clinton Street
      Baltimore, MD 21224
    • Baltimore County Center
      CCBC Dundalk Campus
      7200 Sollers Point Road
      Baltimore, MD 21222
    • Anne Arundel County
      710 Aquahart Road
      Glen Burnie, MD 21061
  • The Maryland Emergency Management Agency runs the Private Sector Integration Program (PSIP). Its mission is “incorporating the private sector into the emergency management framework to provide a voice to the business community during emergencies and increase information sharing between the private and public sectors.” Businesses can sign up to participate in PSIP here: https://mdem.maryland.gov/Pages/psip.aspx. Presently, PSIP holds daily briefings on the Bridge and Port situation.

Multiple state agencies are collaborating on a website that will contain up-to-date information for the private sector, both employers and employees. Until available – several other organizations have created information pages:

Should you have any questions regarding resources or need additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at lfritts@frederickcountymd.gov or 240.600.1202.  Our team is here to support you.  Together we will build resilience and success in these challenging times.

Lara L. Fritts, CEcD, FM

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