President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit Baltimore on Friday after last week's collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, announced Monday afternoon.
The president plans to meet with state and local officials and get an "on-the-ground look" at federal response efforts, Jean-Pierre said.
The Biden administration has approved $60 million in immediate aid and promised the federal government will pay the full cost to rebuild.
Also Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard established a temporary, alternate channel for commercially essential vessels near the Key Bridge, part of a phased approach to opening the main channel leading to the vital port, officials said.
A 2,000-yard safety zone around the Key Bridge remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels and the marine environment. No vessel or person are allowed to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.
The public is not allowed to enter the safety zone unless authorized by the COTP or designated representative. Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or directions given to them by the COTP or designated representative.
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Source: WBALTV.com
