A representative for Alagasco in Birmingham made an announcement at the Selma City Council’s Thursday work session about a new feature being installed in Selma that could possibly add to the Riverfront Park development and promote tourism.

Lynn Harris, manager of external affairs for several areas in the state for Alagasco announced a commemorative gas lamp would be placed in Selma. He said Selma was one of several cities selected for the honor.

“Alagasco employees were asked to nominate cities that should be honored with commemorative gas lamps and Alagasco is that the mayors of Birmingham, Anniston, Tuscaloosa, Selma and Montgomery have accepted these lamps that will commemorate historic events,” Harris said.

The first commemorative gas lamp was unveiled in April at the newly opened Region’s Field, the home of the Birmingham Barons. This lamp honors the, “Birmingham Black Barons and the Negro Baseball League, as well as the current Birmingham Barons organization,” Harris said.

The second lamp was unveiled in May in an Alberta City park near Tuscaloosa to honor victims of the April, 27, 2011 tornado.

A ceremony date of Sept. 19 has been set for the unveiling of the gas lamp in the Riverfront Park, near the walking trail and amphitheater, Harris said. Officials such as Alagasco CEO Bill Reynolds and other company officials will be present.

“Alagasco will design, donate and install the commemorative gas light in partnership with the city,” Harris said. “In addition, each city will be responsible for paying the monthly bill to keep the gas light on. We estimate this bill to cost the city less than $200 per year.”

Alagasco will also maintain the lamp and replace it whenever needed at no cost to the city.

“We believe these gas lights will serve as a point of interest that will bring people near and far to come and see them,” Harris said. “We also feel that this project will spur tourism and serve as an education component for each of the cities that receive these gas lamps

When asked by the council, Harris said a consultant is still working through what event in Selma historically will be commemorated and what the official plaque will read in September.