Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The City of Selma has received a $1.6 million grant to continue the revitalization of downtown through the fiscal year 2024 federal government funding package.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell said the funds will be used for repairing sidewalks, adding bike lanes, upgrading lighting, installing signage and do some road repaving to help improve the appearance of the city ahead of the 60th Bridge Crossing Jubilee in March. They also want to improve the accessibility of the sidewalks to make sure they are ADA compliant.

“I grew up here in Selma, and I know what’s possible from this district with the right resources and opportunities,” Sewell said. “That’s why I have made it my mission to bring federal dollars back home to make our communities safer, stronger, and more prosperous. It is for that reason that I am so proud to announce $1.6 million that we secured to revitalize 12 blocks of roads and sidewalks downtown. Projects like this help foster economic development and make our city a better place to live and work.”

Mayor James Perkins Jr. said they haven’t finalized plans of where the funds will be used. They will have some planning meetings very soon to get public input on the project.

However, he does have a sense of urgency to get the project completed as soon as possible.

“For our citizens who are physically challenged, we will be looking at and maintaining ADA compliance with these infrastructure improvements,” Perkins said. “I want to thank the staff of the planning development office and the city staff. The congresswoman makes these appropriations. That money comes in through the planning and development office. The only reason that the spigot keeps blessing us is because we’ve been very responsive and responsible.”