There is little debate that Selma could be one of the top tourism draws in the state, based on its history, both Civil War and Civil Rights.

But, the city still has a long way to go to draw the large crowds from all over the world that know the name “Selma.”

Our U.S. representative, Artur Davis, D-Birmingham, is helping in that regard.

For years now we have heard that the Selma Interpretive Center will be built by the National Parks Service at the corner of Water Avenue and Broad Street.

The city will be the site for one of three commemorative museums along the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. The museum in Lowndes County is already open to the public.

Last week, Davis testified before the House Appropriations Committee in Washington to request funding for the Selma center.

In a statement submitted for the record, Davis informed the committee of the center’s mission to educate visitors about Selma’s role in the Voting Rights Movement, and the city’s place in the nation’s history.

Davis said through exhibits and presentations, the Selma Interpretive Center will “recapture this pivotal moment in our nation’s history.”

Last year, Davis presented a $528,693 grant provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation for renovation costs, but those funds have not yet been released.

We thank Davis for making the Selma Interpretive Center a priority and ask that funds be given to the project.

Things are beginning to happen in downtown Selma and it’s past time to get this project off the ground.