On April 5, 2024, Governor Moore signed an executive order establishing temporary relief programs to support businesses and workers impacted by the Key Bridge collapse and disruption of operations to the Port of Baltimore.
Under the Executive Order, the Department of Commerce is establishing The Port of Baltimore Emergency Business Assistance Program to provide grants to eligible businesses, as defined in the PORT Act, and who rely on the use of or access to the Port and whose business operations or shipments are hindered or halted entirely due to the redacted operations of the Port.
In addition, eligible businesses must demonstrate economic and financial injury resulting from the disruption to the operations of the Port of Baltimore through 1) reduction in business revenue and activity and/or 2) increased costs to business operations.
Eligible businesses may seek grants up to $100,000. Recipients of grants through this program shall attest to their intent to continue operations at the Port of Baltimore, to the fullest extent practicable, upon the resumption of full operations at the Port of Baltimore. The Governor is authorizing up to $15 million for this program. Applications open April 22, 2024.
Additional PORT Act Programs include:
- Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program - This program can provide up to $200,000 in grant funding to Maryland-based businesses to pay for employee wages (up to $7,500 per worker) to keep workers on the job and avert layoffs, as well as subsidize supportive services for workers such as childcare and transportation. Applications are now open.
- Port of Baltimore Business Support Program - This program can provide grants or loans to Maryland-based businesses with 500 or fewer Maryland employees. Funds can be used to address revenue reductions and/or operating expense increases. Applications open April 22, 2024.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Governor Moore's Executive Order Establishing Economic Relief Programs.
