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U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell hosted Selma and Dallas County Reimagined on Monday at Wallace Community College-Selma.

Alongside Sewell in the Community Conversation were Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. and Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn.

Before the event, Sewell held a press conference, saying Infrastructure and economic development would drive the conversation.

Sewell said that the opportunity exists for Selma to rebuild from the January 12 tornado that devastated the area. The chances for recovery increased when President Joe Biden commitment to assist during the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee.

“We can rebuild Selma if we all work together,” Sewell said. “We have the resources from President Biden. Politicians have to put their differences aside. It’s not just the politicians. The citizens and businesses must work together.”

When the topic came to infrastructure, Sewell announced that the state of Alabama will receive $1.2 billion of $1.3 trillion Bi-Partasian plan.

Perkins told the audience that research was done on an infrastructure project in Selma and it will cost $500,000 million, but it has not been approved.

Sewell also said that Broadband is part of the infrastructure plan, saying the state will receive $100 million.

“The whole city of Selma will be wired,” Sewell said. “Broadband is like a new telephone, everybody must have one. The state can get more money if they prioritize more vulnerable communities.”

Nunn said the Dallas County Commission are working on securing grants to improve roads and broadband.

“We have to make the dollars stretch,” Nunn said. “Citizens in Dallas County don’t have access to internet and wifi as the city of Selma does. We’re working to be on the same page and the same playing field.”

High-profile officials who attended the community conversation were: Selma City Council members Clay Carmichael and Jannie Thomas, Selma Housing Authority Executive Director Kennard Randolph, Gospel Tabernacle Pastor John E. Grayson, Selma City Schools Superintendent Dr. Zickeyous Byrd, Dallas County Schools Superintendent Anthony Sampson.