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Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. and U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Selma, gave an update of recovery from the Jan. 12, 2023 tornado on Monday at the Selma City Chambers.

At a press conference Monday, Perkins and Sewell both said that the city has received $28 million in grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He said $15 million will be used for lead pipe removal in downtown Selma and another $4 million for a future riverwalk.

Sewell thanked President Joe Biden for keeping his word on working together with the City of Selma, Perkins and the Selma City Council to rebuild the Queen City. Sewell also thanked Selma Housing Authority executive director Kennard Randolph.

“President Biden said he wouldn’t leave us behind, and he hasn’t,” Sewell said. “I thank Mayor Perkins and the city council.”

Perkins, Selma’s first African-American mayor, praised Sewell for always looking out for her hometown.

“Congresswoman Sewell is a warrior,” Perkins said. “She fights for her entire Seventh Congressional District, but she fights a little more for Selma.”

Sewell urged Selma residents to remain patient while things are being worked on.

“This is a marathon, not a sprint,” Sewell said. “We are focused on housing, economic development and infrastructure. We will get there. It takes time.”

Perkins echoed Sewell’s statement.

“We’re asking the public to trust the process and be patient,” Perkins said. “A lot of stuff goes into the process. All of this stuff takes time.”

Selma Councilmen Michael Johnson and Atkin Jemison attended the press conference.