The Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program – Resources for Workers Impacted by the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

Helping Workers Stay on the Job and Earning Income

As part of Governor Moore's response to the economic impact caused by the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Maryland’s Department of Labor has established the Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program. The Worker Retention Program can provide up to $200,000 in grant funding 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.

If you want to apply for the Worker Retention Program, complete Part A and Part B.

Si quiere aplicar para el Programa de Retención de Trabajadores, complete la Parte A y la Parte B.

Who is eligible to receive grant funds under the Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program?

Eligible applicants are Maryland-based businesses that employ up to 500 workers, labor unions, trade associations, or other organizations whose business activities are hindered or halted entirely due to reduced Port operations. The purpose of the program is to allow organizations to retain their workers; therefore, proposals must demonstrate that an applicant has between 2 and 499 connected workers. Operations that include a single individual may be served with other State resources.

Approved entities agree to resume hours, wages, and benefits workers received prior to the Bridge collapse for at least 60 days from the award of the grant. All applicants also commit to resuming operations to the fullest extent practicable once the Port resumes full operation. Refer to the Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program policy  for more detailed information on eligibility requirements.

What amount of funding can businesses and associations request?

Employers may apply for up to $200,000, with a maximum expenditure of $7,500 per worker.

Are you a business thinking of applying? Here are a few examples of how these funds can support your business:

• Payroll expenses for workers, including wages and benefits
• Payroll expenses as part of participation in the State’s Work Sharing Program
• Training or upskilling current employees including, but not limited to:
  • Safety training, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages
  • Project management training
  • Commercial Driver’s License preparation
• Help your employees cover their childcare costs
• Support workers with transportation costs
• Other activities deemed permissible by the Department

How does my business apply?

The application documents are found below under “Resources.”

Resources

• Application
• Appendix A - Narrative Component
• Appendix B - Budget Component
• W9
• FAQs - Prospective Applicant
• FAQs - Awardees
• Policy
• Flyer

• Solicitud
• Apéndice A – Componente Narrativo
• Apéndice B - Componente Presupuestario
• W9
• Preguntas Frecuentes para Futuros Solicitantes
• Preguntas Frecuentes para los Beneficiarios de Subvenciones
• Política
• Folleto - Programa de Retención de Trabajadores del Puerto de Baltimore

Informational webinar about the Port of Baltimore Worker Retention Program