Tuscaloosa Federal Building and Courthouse Renamed in Honor of Richard Shelby
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — The U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building in Tuscaloosa is officially being renamed the Richard Shelby Federal Building and Courthouse after a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.
The building was one of several projects for which Senator Shelby secured federal funding, which is one of the reasons those here today say it is only right to bear his name .
Several state officials attended the ceremony, including Governor Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall and Senator Katie Britt.
In his remarks, Governor Ivey said Shelby was Alabama’s foremost protector and promoter. She says her investments in education and efforts to expand the Port of Mobile have significantly improved the state.
“He has invested several hundred millions of dollars in improving universities and facilities at our institutions of higher education – from north to south, all the way to the University of Alabama,” Ivey said.
Sen. Britt, who once served as Shelby’s chief of staff, says he was a mentor and friend to countless people across the state, and his legacy lives on beyond the courthouse doors.
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“There is no doubt that generations of Alabamians will be able to sit under the trees you planted – shade is a legacy of greatness for so many,” Britt said.
Following the remarks, Shelby’s grandchildren unveiled a portrait of him that will be displayed at the courthouse. In response to all of this, Shelby says he’s grateful.
“I owe so much to so many people. I would first like to thank the people of Alabama in our state for allowing me to serve in public life for 52 years, 12 consecutive elections, 36 years in the Senate, eight years in the House and Senate of l “State,” Shelby said. “But now I’m a private citizen and I’m home where I need to be in Tuscaloosa.”
This building is home to not only the United States District Court, but also the FBI, Senator Britt’s office, the Social Security Administration and much more. The name change bill was signed by President Biden in March last year.
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