Opportunity Alabama launches historic revitalization program for Selma, Marion

Opportunity Alabama (OPAL) is taking letters of interest for its new program to revitalize historic districts in Selma and Marion. 

The Selma and Marion Historic Revitalization Grant Program uses funds granted to OPAL in 2022 from the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant Program by the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service (NPS), Department of Interior.

"Grant funding is intended for brick and mortar projects that will create new economic activity and permanent jobs," stated a press release from OPAL. "This funding will not be awarded to projects that have previously received grant funding from the National Park Service." 

To qualify applicants must be property owners, developers, nonprofit organizations, or municipalities that is designated as contributing by the NPS to these historic districts: 

• Old Town Historic District in Selma
• Water Avenue Historic District in Selma
• Marion Courthouse Square Historic District in Marion

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To determine if a property contributes to a historic district, applicants may contact the Alabama Historic Commission here. 

Letters of interest will be accepted until Nov. 15. Application materials and more information can be found here. 

OPAL will host several public information meetings in September. These will be: 

• Marion: Sept. 6, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Marion Military Institute Chapel
• Selma: Sept. 7 at 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Edmundite Missions Bullock Community Center
• Selma: Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Edmundite Missions Bullock Community Center
• Online Webinar: Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.