On February 26, U.S. Representative Terri Sewell declared that the local of Selma would be the beneficiary of a $2 million federal award to resurface 59 blocks of local roads.
Alongside Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Co-Chairman Dr. Corey Wiggins, Alabama Tombigbee Executive Director John Clyde Riggs, Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr., and Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn, Sewell made the news at a press conference held at the Selma Convention Center. Perkins stated that the city concentrated on three areas since the Jan. 12, 2023 tornado: housing, economic development, and infrastructure.
For this to be successful, Perkins added, “a lot of planning from the local, state, and federal government is required.” Nunn expressed his gratitude to the mayor, Sewell, and the DRA for their collaborative efforts in enhancing the road conditions. “A change is occurring as a result of our rebranding of Selma,” Nunn stated.
According to Sewell, her hometown’s improvement has always been a primary concern. Sewell declared, “We have to keep going forward.” “Without our collective assistance, Selma and Dallas County are unable to do what they need to. We pledge to unite Selma in our efforts to rebrand, revitalize, and redefine Dallas County and Selma.
Around that number of roads in Disaster Area 1 and seven downtown streets will be resurfaced, according to Danielle Wooten, director of city planning and development. Disaster Area 1 is located north of J.L. Chestnut Boulevard to First Avenue and east of Broad Street to Marie Foster Street.
Young claimed Selma would have a stronger, more superior build. “Highways are not an extravagance; they are essential,” Young declared. We now have the resources necessary to prosper thanks to this. Our goal is to make Selma the greatest it has ever been, not just rebuild or restore it. Riggs praised the DRA’s collaboration with the Alabama Tombigbee in rebuilding Selma, as well as the efforts of all three branches of government.
“Hard work and our fantastic grant writers have made the effort,” Riggs stated. To improve Selma’s roadways, Wiggins expressed his gratitude to the city.
