BALTIMORE, MD—The state of Maryland has announced a $12.5 million grant program to help businesses at the Port of Baltimore retain workers impacted by the recent Key Bridge collapse.

The Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program will provide grants to eligible businesses that can demonstrate an effort to avoid layoffs and maintain their workforce at the same hours, rates of pay, and benefits. The program is funded through a mix of state and federal dollars, with $2.5 million coming from the U.S. Department of Labor and $10 million coming from Maryland’s Rainy Day Fund.

Eligible businesses that employ up to 500 workers are eligible to apply and can receive grants of up to $200,000. The grants can be used to pay for training and development opportunities for employees, as well as to support services such as childcare and transportation.

The Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program is one of several relief programs launched by the state and local governments to support businesses impacted by the bridge collapse. The state is also offering a $100,000 grant program to help eligible small businesses in the area.

By working together with the federal and state government, the state is committed to supporting businesses and helping them weather this difficult time. The Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program is a critical component of that effort, and it will help to ensure that impacted workers have a chance to get through this together.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.

Photo via U.S. Coast Guard