Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt has announced the passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024, which modifies the federal cost share for Selma's Flood Risk Management and Stabilization Project to 100%. This change was secured by Senator Britt and Representative Terri Sewell to preserve Selma’s historic buildings.

"Selma’s history—including Bloody Sunday, the courageous march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, and its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement—must be preserved so all Americans can learn from it for generations to come," said Senator Britt. She emphasized that federal funding is crucial to prevent erosion along the Alabama River from damaging these historic sites.

Representative Sewell expressed satisfaction with Congress passing her provision to increase federal funding. "This special exception will save the City of Selma more than $9 million and help ensure that this project can move forward," she stated. She thanked Senator Britt for her commitment to Selma's vitality.

Mayor James Perkins also expressed gratitude towards both legislators: "The 100% federal cost share equals millions that the City of Selma is no longer obligated to pay on the riverbank stabilization project."

Senator Britt and Congresswoman Sewell have collaborated over several years to support Selma. In addition, Senator Britt advanced $850,000 in federal funding for Selma through fiscal year appropriations acts awaiting Senate approval.

The WRDA bill includes provisions aimed at improving navigation, flood control, environmental management in Alabama, increasing efficient use of federally owned office space, reauthorizing and modernizing the Economic Development Administration (EDA), and supporting economic development in distressed communities nationwide.