Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Friday pressed Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) for details regarding Maryland’s plan to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge, including whether the state is using “unconstitutional” diversity, equity, and inclusion contracting practices.
“Our intention is to deliver a project that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of the traveling public,” Duffy wrote in a letter to Moore. “It is my role to guarantee that federally funded projects benefit the entire Nation through every dollar spent. When a State partners with DOT on major infrastructure projects like the FSK Bridge, it partners with the American people.”
Duffy expressed concern that the state is relying on a Disadvantaged Business Enterprises program to award contracts to companies involved in rebuilding the bridge. The Transportation Department established the DBE program in the 1980s. Under the program, the DOT is required to ensure that at least 10% of federal funds for government-sponsored highway and transit programs are spent with DBEs. In order to qualify as a DBE, a company must be at least 51% owned by minorities, women, or socially and economically disadvantaged adults. It must also qualify as a small business and have its day-to-day operations controlled by women or minorities…