The Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission has hired an Ohio firm to help plan Selma’s long-term recovery from the January 2023 tornado.
ATRC Executive Director John Clyde Riggs told the Selma City Council Nov. 28 that the firm Planning NEXT of Columbus, Ohio, will help write a “strategic recovery plan” for Selma. He said the firm helped the city of Tuscaloosa develop its recovery strategy after a tornado destroyed about 10% of that city in 2011.
Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox gave Planning NEXT “a glowing review,” Riggs said.
Riggs said representatives from Planning NEXT will meet with elected officials and economic development officials, with Marcus Campbell from the ARTC staff as facilitator. The city-county planning document will serve as a “roadmap” for recovery, he said.
“This has been a disaster. Now we can make it an opportunity,” Riggs said. “We have a tremendous opportunity” because of Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s position and the current administration. If we can develop the support and land the opportunity, we have a chance to grab the apple.”
“I’ve always looked to Selma,” Riggs said. “I felt like the region rose with Selma, and it dove with Selma. We can make it rise again.”
ATRC represents Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Sumter, Washington and Wilcox counties from its office in Camden.
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