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A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday to announce the completion of the Selma Section 14 Emergency Streambank Stabilization Project at the Selma Riverfront Amphitheater. 

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr., U.S. Army Corps Engineer Deputy Cmdr. Mobile District Lt. Col. Gary R. Cutler, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jaime Pinkham and Fred Burks of Mobile District Planning Division each spoke at a ceremony for the Selma 14 project.

The project improves the safety and stability of the riverbank, safeguarding the surrounding community and environment. It also includes re-grading the riverbank, installing articulated concrete matting, and adding protective stone elements to prevent erosion and stabilize the slope.

Perkins also said the project began in 2014 on the Riverwalk, but the riverbank wasn’t stabilized. He thanked President Joe Biden and U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Selma, for ensuring the project happened. Perkins also thanked the Selma City Council, City of Selma planning and development, public works, parks and recreation, personnel department and city buildings. 

“It takes a team to get this done,” Perkins said. “Local businesses were involved. Selma’s on the move.”

Bryon Evans represented Sewell at the ribbon-cutting and thanked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for putting the Queen City atop the list. 

The U.S. Army Corps Engineers cleared, graded and protected a 215-foot section of the riverbank along the Alabama River, replacing approximately 250 feet of existing sidewalk, lighting, and fencing. All work was performed with the contract plans and specifications.

“Selma’s an important city, especially for Civil Rights,” Burks said. “People across the nation want to learn about Selma. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is proud to preserve this historic area.”

Pinkham said Selma is attached to the conscience of America.

Perkins said Selma Section 14 is just phase one of the $1.7 million preservation project and more work ahead in the future for completion. 

Selma City Council President Billy Young attended the ceremony.