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U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Montgomery, helped the City of Selma receive $850,000 in critical funding on August 2.

The six-figure funding, if approved, will come from the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act and the FY25 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. It will be considered by the Senate at a later date.

“Most Americans know about Selma because of its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, including Bloody Sunday and the courageous march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge that is commemorated annually through the Jubilee,” Britt said. “Sadly, mere feet from this very bridge, history is literally falling into the river. Due to years of erosion along the bank of the Alabama River, the stability of multiple historic buildings in Selma – many that have a direct connection to the Civil Rights Movement – are threatened.”

Britt said she worked with U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Selma, on the situation about Selma, who was devastated by a tornado on January 12, 2023.

“I have been proud to work with my friend, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, to devote resources to ensure the U.S. Army Corps can continue its critical work on the Selma Alabama Flood Risk Management and River Bank Stabilization Project,” Britt said. “The FY25 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act includes $550,000 in federal funding for the (Army) Corps (of Engineers) to continue their efforts this year. Combined with $300,000 included in the FY25 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Act, the important work to save these historic buildings will be able to continue.”

Selma City Council President Billy Young said he appreciates what Britt did for the Queen City.

“As President of the Selma City Council, I am grateful for Senator Britt’s strong support and commitment to Selma,” Young said. “I intend to one day invite Senator Britt back to Selma to thank her publicly for her commitment to historic Selma in the United States Senate. Selma, like many cities in the United States, has many needs. Therefore, it is a blessing to have federal leaders such as Senator Britt and Congresswoman Sewell fighting for us in Washington, D.C. Selma has brought worldwide attention to the State of Alabama, I am thankful that Alabama leaders are providing much-needed attention to Selma. Selma’s best days are yet to come.”