Selma, AL – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) hosted the Selma City Council, Selma Mayor, Dallas County Commission, members of the Alabama State Legislature, and other local elected officials at the Selma City Courthouse to provide an update on disaster relief and recovery efforts. Following the update, Rep. Sewell hosted a press conference at 10:30 a.m. 

“Today, I am grateful to return to Selma and update our local officials on the critical progress we’ve made in our efforts to recover and rebuild following the storms on January 12th,” said Rep. Sewell.  “As we work to develop a long-term recovery plan, I remain dedicated to ensuring that no aspect of our community is left out of this process. It is going to take all of us—local, state, federal, and community partners—working together to reimagine our beloved cities and towns across Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. The road to recovery is a marathon and not a sprint, but only through our collective efforts will we build back better and stronger than before.” 

Today’s update by the Congresswoman is the latest in an ongoing federal, state, and local partnership to recover and rebuild in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District following the January 12th storms. On January 26, Rep. Sewell led the Alabama Congressional Delegation in a letter urging President Biden to increase the federal cost share for the FEMA Public Assistance program for debris removal and emergency protective measures to 100%. This request was granted by President Biden on Thursday, February 9.

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies. After an event like a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or wildfire, communities need help to cover their costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure. More information on the FEMA Public Assistance program can be found here. 

The Federal Cost Share relates only to public assistance provided to governmental entities and nonprofits and does not include individual assistance. Uninsured individuals in the designated areas can apply for individual assistance by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), downloading the FEMA App, or visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov. The deadline to apply for individual assistance is March 16, 2023.

Photos and videos from today’s events can be found here.