Efforts to revitalize Selma’s riverfront and downtown buildings could get a boost from Uncle Sam.

Representatives of different military branches were in town Wednesday to meet with Selma Mayor George Evans about the possibility of bringing in reservists to aid with some of the projects the city has on the table.

The program, known as Innovative Readiness Training, falls under Title 10 of the United States code, which authorizes civil and military cooperation in the 54 states and territories to step in and offer their services in hopes of gaining hands-on experience.

By using reservists, United States Air Force Reserve deputy director of training program management Col. Scott A. Sauter said, they are prepared and familiar with the equipment they might use if called to active duty.

“The important thing about the program is it’s a training opportunity for the reserve component, meaning the National Guard and the reserves,” he said. “We try to marry up available reserve units with community requests for engineering support, military support and medical support.”

For many years, Evans said, the city has hoped to make use of its waterfront, historic downtown buildings and parks. However, these projects remained in the planning stages.

“This has been a work in progress for some time,” he said. “This is a vision that was put together through other previous administrations as well. What we have done now is tweaked it and tried to make it stronger and narrow it down to what we needed to get done and put it on paper and get it off the ground.”

A number of improvement projects are on the shelf. Craig Field is already a valuable resource, but with a few additions through the assistance of the program, could become crucial to drawing industry to the county.

The completion of the Interpretive Center could also become a reality through the program.

While the first two floors are complete, Evans said the third floor is still in need of some work. This floor would provide a scenic view of the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge and downtown Selma.

Other projects suggested in the plans are the completion of the amphitheater near the Alabama River and expansion of the St. James to accommodate larger groups.

Unlike many of the projects they take on, program manager Capt. Belinda Baker said Selma is one step ahead because they already have a plan in place.

“The drawings and plans were already prepared which tells us you have great foresight and we are looking forward to making this happen,” she said. “A lot of times we are at square one with wishes and dreams, but (the city) has really done a great job in getting this together. This has given us a lot of information to work with and we are really excited about getting out there and seeing everything.”

Evans said if the city is chosen for the project it will finally bridge the hard work between the past and current administration’s efforts together for the betterment of the city.

“We are happy now that we can start seeing it come together,” he said.

“A lot of hours have gone into getting everything submitted. People have met and talked about this in groups. A lot has gone into it so it is wonderful to have them come down.”