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Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) hosted a Disaster Relief Update for the city of Selma and Dallas County on Tuesday.

Selma City Council President Billy Young, Selma City Councilwomen Jannie Thomas, Christie Thomas, Lesia James, Dallas County Commissioner Curtis Williams, State Senator Robert Stewart, Dallas County EMA Director Toya Stiles, and Danielle Wooten all attended the press conference as Sewell updated President Joe Biden’s increased the federal cost share for the FEMA Public Assistance program for debris removal and emergency protective measures to 100%.

Sewell praised the teamwork of Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr., Selma City council, Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn, Dallas County Commission working together with Governor Kay Ivey and Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt and President Biden to help local residents recover from the January 12 tornado.

“I’m grateful to the leaders Selma and Dallas County for their hard work,” Sewell said.  “We are Selma strong, Dallas County determined and Alabama able. We will continue to rebuild Selma.”

Sewell also said that Selma has already received over $2.5 million in funds to help the city recover.

Young said he’s grateful that no lives were lost during the tornado.

“We are thankful lives were spared,” Young said. “During this tornado, our hearts have gotten bigger. The process is slow, but it must be done properly. Selma won’t be repaired in one day. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”