Port of Baltimore workers, those impacted by Key Bridge collapse will get relief after bill passes

BALTIMORE - Maryland lawmakers passed priority legislation that included a measure to help employees at the Port of Baltimore affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. 

The governor signed the bill into law on Tuesday.

The measure authorizing the use of the state's rainy day fund to help port employees had strong support in the Maryland General Assembly. The stunning March 26 bridge collapse and its impact on a key economic engine prompted lawmakers to act in the last two weeks of the session.

"One of our top priorities for Sine Die is to pass the PORT Act to assist all who have been impacted by the collapse of the Key Bridge," Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones, a Baltimore County Democrat, said in a statement, referring to the Latin phrase used for the last day of the session. "Our members have important bills that still need to get across the finish line, so I'm looking forward to a productive last day."

READ: Here's some of the legislation approved by Maryland General Assembly

The bridge collapse impacts about 15,300 jobs directly to port activity, but overall, about 140,000 people are impacted in some way.

This measure would temporarily pay the wages of port workers and provide support for workers who are not covered by unemployment insurance.

"It's critical that we help those workers and their families who rely on the port for their livelihoods and that we ensure they can put food on their tables and pay their bills during the time that the channel is not completely open to traffic," Delegate Luke Clippinger said.

The measure would also help businesses cover payroll and provide incentives for companies to return to the port once it fully reopens.

The Associated Press contributed to this story