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With all of the things going on in Selma, the one aspect of the city that seems to be forgotten is Alabama River.

While we see the Edmund Pettus Bridge every day in downtown Selma, we might forget its crossing the river that bears our state’s name. That’s why it is great to see two projects that are coming together to capitalize on this waterway.

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

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.

That allows all of the buildings and structures that are along the river to stay here and prevent further damage to their foundations.

The second ribbon cutting was on Tuesday for the construction on the marina to improve boating access and provide a pavilion.

“The project has been going on for two years and we finally finished it,” said Tim Wood, Alabama Wildlife Federation first vice president. “The marina and Alabama River are very important to Selma. We had a lot of people step up.”

Both of these projects are needed to help stabilize the business district around the Alabama River while allowing more opportunities for others to enjoy boating along the waterway. We applaud everyone involved to make these projects happen.