HAGERSTOWN, MD (April 1, 2024) – In the wake of the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, and its subsequent closure of the Port of Baltimore, we understand the significant impact this event may have on businesses in the area. The Washington County, MD Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) is working in partnership with the Maryland State Department of Commerce to develop resources to aid businesses and workforce impacted by this event. As a community, we are committed to supporting those affected and ensuring they have access to the resources and assistance needed to recover and rebuild.

At this time resources are being developed that are not ready to be publicly announced. Please see the numbered bullets below. We would like to call your attention to the daily conference call (bullet #1). We encourage you or a representative of your company to register for this daily conference call as it will be the primary information source.

1) 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.

2) In the meantime, multiple state agencies are collaborating on a website that will contain up-to-date information for the private sector, both employers and employees. Stay tuned for those details. In the meantime, the Maryland Transportation Authority has set up a page on its website with information about the transportation complications and detours suggested to mitigate delays. This website can be found here: https://mdta.maryland.gov/keybridgenews.

For more information on available resources and assistance for businesses affected by the bridge collapse, please contact Linda Spence, Business Specialist for the Washington County Department of Business and Economic Development by email at [email protected] or by phone at 240-313-2286. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this event, and we are committed to supporting our business community as we work together to recover and rebuild!

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