Gov. Wes Moore’s ‘fastest moving’ claim tested

HAWKINS POINT, Md. (WBFF) — Maryland’s plan to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge hit a significant setback Tuesday, as state officers abruptly canceled a key building contract, undercutting Gov. Wes Moore’s repeated claim that the challenge was the nation’s “fastest-moving” massive infrastructure effort.

The resolution to off-ramp contractor Kiewit Infrastructure Co. from the challenge’s crucial second part got here after its proposals “far exceeded” state estimates, in response to US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

The transfer forces Maryland again into the marketplace for a brand new builder at a pivotal second, as challenge prices have emerged from roughly $1.8 billion to greater than $5.2 billion. It transforms what Moore has framed as a mannequin of velocity right into a high-stakes take a look at of the administration’s capacity to handle one of the costly and politically scrutinized infrastructure tasks within the nation.

Maryland claims worth incentive, Feds declare victory for the general public and taxpayer

In a significant joint announcement by means of separate releases on Tuesday by the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), the State of Maryland has canceled its contract with the Key Bridge’s building contractor, Kiewit Infrastructure Co., for Phase 2 of the challenge.

Phase 2 of the challenge targeted on finalizing the brand new Key Bridge’s design, driving metal piles into the Patapsco River, and starting building of the roadway approaches and spans. This part additionally granted Kiewit unique rights and transitioned from preliminary plans to a assured most worth for building.

MDTA stated in its launch that it’s “off-ramping” Kiewit, forcing the state again into the market to discover a new contractor for essentially the most crucial part of labor. This resolution comes after negotiations over value failed, with Duffy mentioning that Kiewit’s proposals “far exceeded” unbiased state estimates.

Maryland transportation leaders framed the transfer on Tuesday as a mandatory step to guard taxpayers and hold the challenge on observe. Maryland Transportation Secretary Katie Thompson stated in MDTA’s announcement that security, velocity, and price effectivity stay prime priorities.

“At the governor’s direction, MDTA will aggressively protect and advance the interests of Maryland,” Thomson stated.

In a press release on Tuesday, Moore stated that for the reason that starting, he has “been unequivocal: we will rebuild this bridge safely, quickly, and cost-efficiently. And we will never settle for less.”

As we put together to enter Phase 2 of building, our workforce approached negotiations with our contractor with clear eyes and agency imperatives,” Moore said in his statement. “But after weeks of engagement, it turned evident that the contractor’s proposed worth and timeline for shifting ahead was unreasonably excessive and due to this fact unacceptable.”

“This was knowledgeable by the state’s unbiased value estimates,” Moore added.

In a separate federal announcement, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy painted a starkly totally different image: a challenge suffering from ballooning prices, delays, and the necessity for aggressive federal oversight. Duffy additionally claimed victory in delivering on his promise of vigorous oversight of the prices to rebuild the Key Bridge.

“The Trump Administration is always working to secure the best possible team for hardworking American taxpayers,” Duffy stated within the launch. “It’s my job to ensure the American people’s tax dollars are used efficiently and that major projects are completed on time and on budget.”

“We’re putting taxpayers and their priorities first,” Duffy added.

In an unique interview on Monday with Spotlight on Maryland after Southwest Airlines’ celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Duffy stated the Key Bridge is “a bridge we want to build was asked about Moore’s claims that the Key Bridge rebuild is the nation’s fastest-moving project.

“I’ve worked with the governor. Our teams are navigating the Francis Scott Key Bridge together.

A spokesperson for USDOT referred Spotlight on Maryland back to its news release on Tuesday when asked for additional comment.

In September, Spotlight on Maryland was the first to report that Duffy sent a letter to Moore emphasizing the Trump Administration’s commitment to oversight of all the federal dollars funding the replacement of the Key Bridge. Duffy’s letter also made it clear that he had major concerns over escalating costs, ultimately questioning the project’s budget and timeline.

In an exclusive interview with Spotlight on Maryland in October at Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall Airport, Duffy doubled down on his criticism of the project’s management, slamming Maryland’s approach to diversity hiring, particularly regarding race- and sex-based contractor selection. Duffy’s concerns echoed a continued broader national debate over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) requirements in public projects.

“I don’t think he [Moore] “You have been a good steward with the money, but also, we have sent a letter to all of our partners saying they have to follow the law,” Duffy said in October. “A long time ago, we got rid of contracting based on race and sex.”

Kiewit listed in the informational section of its website for the bridge rebuild that it is “committed to meeting” the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) targets set by Maryland for the challenge. The DBE targets that Moore established by means of government order have set a 31.5% purpose for contracts to be awarded to women-owned and minority companies, quickly after taking workplace in February 2023.

What occurs subsequent

MDTA stated in its launch that it insists that work on the Key Bridge rebuild won’t cease. Phase 1 building actions stay underway, and the company plans to host an business discussion board in May to be the method of choosing a brand new contractor.

DUNDALK, MARYLAND – MARCH 26: Maryland Governor Wes Moore addresses a commemoration ceremony on the anniversary of the collision and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2025 in Dundalk, Maryland. Six members of a piece crew filling potholes on the middle span of the bridge have been killed when the container ship Dali misplaced energy and collided with the bridge, destroying it and shutting the Patapsco River and the Port of Baltimore for weeks. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Still, rebidding a challenge of this scale isn’t any small activity. It requires reengaging the personal sector, negotiating new phrases, and doubtlessly reviewing timelines whereas all making an attempt to keep up public confidence and federal assist.

Duffy advised Spotlight on Maryland on Monday that he’s wanting to make sure the Key Bridge is constructed “on time and under budget.” He stated it’s crucial for the state to correctly handle its contracts.

We stretch our greenback so far as doable – we’re not within the enterprise of giving cash away,” Duffy stated. “We’re provided in the business of giving a fair dollar for the fair services, and the governor has said he is going to do that.”

Moore initially promised Marylanders the Key Bridge could be accomplished by 2028, previous to the latest important hurdle.

It shouldn’t be instantly clear if Kiewit will file a lawsuit in opposition to the State of Maryland or the Moore administration for the contract cancellation. A spokesperson for the contractor advised Spotlight on Maryland by e mail late Tuesday evening that it was “proud to partner” with Maryland on the primary part of the Key Bridge’s rebuild.

“While we’ve been unable to reach [an] agreement to advance into Phase 2, the full construction phase, we’re proud of the progress achieved and the strong working relationship developed throughout Phase 1,” wrote a Kiewit spokesperson. “Although we’re disappointed by this decision, we’re committed to completing our current scope of Phase 1 work, in addition to integral early construction packages.”

“Kiewit is focused on supporting the success of this vital project for Maryland and the surrounding region,” the spokesperson added.

Send information tips on this story or others to gmcollins@sbgtv.com or contact Spotlight on Maryland’s hotline at (410) 467-4670.

Follow Gary Collins on x and instagram. Spotlight on Maryland is a collaboration between FOX45 News, WJLA in Washington, DC, and The Baltimore Sun.