WASHINGTON -Today, U.S. Representative Artur Davis announced a half million dollar federal grant for the city of Selma for renovation of a historic site connected to the Selma-to-Montgomery National Historic Trail.

The grant for $528,693 from the U.S. Department of Transportation is scheduled for use in the redevelopment of the Selma Interpretive Center at the corner of Broad Street (U.S. 80) and Water Avenue.  Located across the street from the Edmond Pettus Bridge, the site will serve as the visitor’s center for the Selma-to-Montgomery National Historic Trail. 

Congressman Davis said this is just another example of how the federal and local government continue to work together to communicate the tremendous impact of the events in Selma on the entire country.

Visitors will receive an overview of the story of the Voting Rights March at the visitor/interpretive center, which will contain information about the entire route with a particular focus on sites and events in the Selma area.

“Selma continues to hold a special place in the heart of our country because of the sacrifices made and the blood spilled here,” Davis said.  “I am pleased that the city of Selma has received these resources for continued development of this hallowed place, and I look forward to visiting the center, along with thousands of people from across the nation, once the restorations are complete.”

According to USDOT, “State of the art” exhibits will explain why there was a need for the march in 1965, why it began in Selma, as well as discuss related events that occurred in Selma and the surrounding communities. Once constructed, it will also serve as an introduction to all tours and attractions in Selma that have association with the March and will also provide an introduction to the broad history of Selma and Dallas County.