There has been a lot of talk in recent years about revitalizing Selma’s Water Avenue, and a grant from the State of Alabama will go a long way in keeping that process rolling.

The Alabama Department of Transportation recently approved $400,000 in funding for the second phase of the Water Avenue Redevelopment project, as part of the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).

This phase will enable work to be completed on the section of Water Avenue that extends from Broad Street to Church Street.

According to a press release from the Department of Transportation, TAP provides funding for projects defined as transportation alternatives, including pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility, community improvement activities and environmental mitigation.

Selma Mayor George Evans said this money is something he hopes will get area residents and businesses excited about the future of Selma and the Water Avenue district.

“Water Avenue is an important part of our downtown revitalization, and this grant we got is another piece of the puzzle that will complete our Water Avenue streetscape,” Evans said.

Evans said he has high hopes for Water Avenue once the work is completed.

“This is potentially the hub of a future entertainment district,” Evans said. “Water Avenue is the street that we visualize being similar to Bourbon Street in New Orleans or Beale Street in Memphis”

Ward 3 Selma City Councilman Greg Bjelke said he also thinks this grant presents a great opportunity to realize so many hopes for the area.

“I’m excited because it looks like Water Avenue is going to become a good entertainment hub, and it will tie in so many projects we have coming in the near future, like the amphitheatre,” Bjelke said.

“We are hoping to have a lot of attractions there including some clubs, cafes, eateries, shopping areas, sandwich shops and other businesses,” Evans said.

Evans said the work would include new pavement, sidewalks and curbs, along with better lighting throughout the area.

At the moment, Evans said, there is no timeline for when the work could begin or be completed.

“Once we get the drawings done and then the bid process completed, that is when we can begin the process,” Evans said.