MOBILE, Ala. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District, in partnership with the City of Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Information, will host a ceremony to celebrate the ribbon-cutting of the Selma Section 14 Emergency Streambank Stabilization Project.
WHAT: The Selma Section 14 Emergency Streambank Stabilization study was initiated at the City of Selma’s request for assistance with riverbank erosion concerns along the Alabama River at the Historic Riverfront Park.
WHEN: Monday, July 8, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Riverfront Amphitheater
2 Green Street
Selma, AL 36701
WHO: Lt. Col. Gary Cutler, USACE Mobile District deputy commander, along with Selma’s Mayor James Perkins Jr. and other key project leads, will be available for interviews.
WHY: After an assessment, it was determined that this segment of the riverbank fits within the Continuing Authorities Program Section 14 program requirements. Erosion in this area is considered separate and unique from the streambank erosion occurring near the Edmund Pettis Bridge.
Background: The project involved re-grading the upper two-thirds of the riverbank to a 1V:2.5H slope and covering it with articulated concrete matting between elevations 95 ft and 119 ft. Below this, the Mooreville Chalk layer forms the bottom third of the riverbank, with a stone toe placed above to secure the transition. The matting protects against erosion from flood velocities and runoff, stabilizes the slope to prevent sloughing, and the stone toe prevents scour and debris from snagging the mat’s edge.
The project also involved clearing, grubbing, and grading a 215-foot section of riverbank along the Alabama River. Approximately 250 feet of existing sidewalk, lighting, and fencing were demolished and removed. The final graded area covers about 15,000 square feet and was seeded, then protected with an erosion control mat and an articulated concrete mat. The bottom of the matting was secured with Alabama Department of Transportation Class II riprap, and large angular field stones were used at the side tie-ins to prevent displacement. The riprap toe was filled with crushed #57 stone to reduce erosion. The removed sidewalk, lighting, and fencing were replaced adjacent to the top of the revetment to match the original installations. All work was carried out in accordance with the contract plans and specifications.
For more information or RSVP to interview USACE representatives contact Christopher Carranza, USACE Mobile District Public Affairs, at 251-295-0106 or email: christopher.a.carranza@usace.army.mil.
To RSVP with City of Selma representatives contact Henry Thompson at email: projectcompliance@selma-al.gov