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The Boardwalk Preservation Fund money will go to 18 municipalities in Atlantic, Cape May, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Friday, Feb. 23. The state Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) will give out the funds to invest in "state-of-the-art materials that increase storm resiliency and ensure longer lasting infrastructure."
In a news release, Gov. Murphy said the money will help coastal tourist destinations stay vibrant.
"So many of us have created memories with family and friends at the boardwalks of the Jersey Shore," said Gov. Murphy. "Our boardwalks have long been a prized destination and we want to keep them that way by helping shore communities repair and maintain these wooden main streets.
"We look forward to all the vital projects that will result from our Boardwalk Preservation Fund investments. The grant awards announced today are a meaningful step in preserving the health and dynamism of these special places.”
The grant program will go toward boardwalk projects like repairs to old or crumbling decking, and replacements for deteriorating pilings. The funds will also pay for boardwalk expansions and ramps or railings that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Atlantic City and Asbury Park will get the largest portion of the grant money. Each city will receive $20 million to upgrade their boardwalks.
The Wildwoods will receive nearly $20 million for boardwalk improvements. North Wildwood will get $10,259,827, Wildwood will be given $8,269,013, and Wildwood Crest will receive $1,087,425.
North Wildwood's portion of the grant will help the city pay for its $34 million boardwalk reconstruction. The first phase of the project is expected to begin in the fall.
Here are the other communities receiving boardwalk grant money:
Atlantic County
- Ventnor City - $7,110,689
- Brigantine - $1,185,838
Cape May County
- Cape May - $6,722,552
- Ocean City - $4,859,175
- Sea Isle City - $1,997,000
Middlesex County
- Carteret - $2,417,339
Monmouth County
- Bradley Beach - $4,275,000
- Long Branch - $3,249,000
- Belmar - $1,504,184
- Keyport - $800,694
Ocean County
- Seaside Heights - $4,795,362
- Toms River - $1,018,441
- Berkeley Township - $448,125
The money for the Boardwalk Preservation Fund comes from federal COVID-19 relief programs.
"We recognize that boardwalks are the economic driver for many shore towns and cities," said NJDCA acting commissioner Jacquelyn Suárez. "They are also incredibly expensive for local governments to maintain, repair, and strengthen."
"To support this significant state asset, the Murphy Administration created the Boardwalk Preservation Fund to ease the financial burden on local governments when improving their boardwalks. We are confident these grant awards will help our boardwalks thrive and continue to inspire and delight visitors for years to come."
Grant applications were due on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. Projects had to meet at least one of the requirements, including boardwalk construction that adds new boardwalk components, boardwalk maintenance, boardwalk reconstruction, or repair of secondary structures.
The grant money must be spent by Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026.
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