As largest crane on East Coast arrives, Baltimore bridge collapse cleanup underway

March 29 (UPI) -- The largest crane on the eastern seaboard arrived Friday in Baltimore as cleanup efforts get underway to clear the Patapsco River of wreckage after this weeks Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

The 1,000-ton crane arrived in the area Thursday night at around 11 p.m. local time. A survey is underway to assess damage before work crews begin removal of the heavy and sharp pieces of concrete and metal, a U.S. Coast Guard official told USA Today.

Officials said 14 containers of the 56 that were being transported on the 213 million pound ship -- a Singapore-based vessel named "Dali" -- were "impacted" which carried hazardous material but there is no immediate environmental threat.

The crew -- 20 of who are Indian nationals -- are said to be "in good shape" with only one with minor injuries, the Indian government said Thursday.

The waterway could be closed off for over a month, an expert told CNN.

The FBI Baltimore office in a statement Friday said the airspace around the wreckage is a "no drone zone" after the Federal Aviation Administration implemented a temporary flight restriction around the remains of the bridge within a three-mile radius, as well as 1,500 feet above ground.

The FBI warned drone operators that anyone caught flying a drone in the restricted area may be subject to fines or imprisonment.

"Drone operators need to know that we take seriously any incursion in the restricted airspace around the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse. Such incursions threaten the safety of those involved in the investigation of the bridge collapse and the recovery of victims. We will investigate and prosecute anyone who violates the 'no drone zone,'" U.S. Attorney Erek Barron said in a statement.

The Biden administration approved Maryland's request for $60 million in emergency federal funding to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed earlier this week after a cargo ship struck the structure.

Maryland had made the request Thursday, with the Department of Transportation stating the quick release Emergency Relief funds were made available to the state within hours.

The department described the funds as "a down payment toward initials costs" with additional Emergency Relief program funding to be made available as rebuilding continues.

"The federal emergency funds we're releasing today will help Maryland begin urgent work, to be followed by further resources as recovery and rebuilding efforts progress," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

"President [Joe] Biden has been clear: the federal government will do everything it takes to help rebuild the bridge and get the Port of Baltimore back open."

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the $60 million is to pay for initial mobilization, operations and debris recovery from the collapse site.

"This initial emergency relief request is needed for our immediate response efforts, and to lay the foundation for a rapid recovery," he said in a statement.

The bridge collapsed early Tuesday after a cargo ship lost power and crashed into one of its pillars. Six people were killed in the incident. The collapse has halted all maritime transport to the United State's ninth-largest port, the effects of which could disrupt the U.S. supply chain for weeks.

The bridge was also an important roadway, with more than 30,000 vehicles crossing it daily. And the port itself would see nearly $200 million in cargo pass by daily.

Following the incident, Biden told reporters during a press conference that he has directed his team to "move heaven and earth" to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge "as soon as humanly possible."

"We're going to work hand in hand to support Maryland, whatever they ask for," he said. "And we're going to work with our partners in Congress to make sure the state gets the support it needs."

He added that his intention is for the federal government to pay the entire reconstruction cost and that he expects Congress to support him.

At the bridge's 1977 opening, construction cost over $60 million which equates to $316 million by current standards.

But federal officials have told Maryland lawmakers that an early estimate to rebuild the bridge is at least $2 billion.

It was unclear how much time would be necessary to reconstruct it, but Biden acknowledged it won't be completed any time soon.

"This is going to take some time," he said. "And the people of Baltimore can count on us, though, to stick with them at every step of the way until the port is reopened and the bridge is rebuilt."

"We're not leaving until this job gets done," the president said.

Buttigieg told reporters during the press conference that there is about $950 million available in the emergency relief account, but there is also "a long line of needs and projects behind that."

"We may be turning to Congress in order to help top up those funds. But that shouldn't be a barrier to the immediate next few days beginning to get the ball rolling," he said.