$100 Million Makeover: New Jersey’s Boardwalks Are Getting a Major Revitalization

A slew of iconic boardwalks along the Jersey Shore will be getting a host of improvements in the coming months as 18 seaside points will be sharing millions to spruce up their waterfronts.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has announced $100 million in grants being awarded by the Boardwalk Preservation Fund. Administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the grant funding aims to help Jersey Shore communities remain vibrant tourism destinations by investing in state-of-the-art materials for boardwalks that increase storm resiliency and ensure longer-lasting infrastructure.

“So many of us have created memories with family and friends at the boardwalks of the Jersey shore, “said 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.”

The Boardwalk Preservation Fund is being funded through the American Rescue Plan’s Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. New Jersey’s existing boardwalks that were given the awards will need to use the money for construction that adds new components, maintenance, reconstruction, or repairing structures.

The biggest slices of funding under the program were awarded to Asbury Park and Atlantic City, who will receive $20 million each for restoring their boardwalks. The collective Wildwoods came in a close second, with North Wildwood ($10.2 million), Wildwood City ($8.2 million), and Wildwood Crest ($1 million) receiving a combined total of $19.4 million in grants.

Other notable recipients under the Boardwalk Preservation Fund include Ventnor’s $7.1 million grant, Cape May’s $6.7 million, and Ocean City’s $4.8 million. Seaside Heights nabbed $4.7 million under the program, while Bradley Beach got $4.2 million, Long Branch received $3.2 million, and Carteret secured $2.4 million.

Examples of projects that will occur under the program include the replacement of old decking with resilient, longer-lasting materials, replacing infrastructure, improving access and safety with ADA-compliant ramps and railings, and providing funds to businesses for upgrades to align with the boardwalk construction.

Funding for the Boardwalk Preservation Fund was prioritized to shore municipalities experiencing financial distress. All grant funds must be obligated by the municipalities by the end of 2024, and all the money awarded under the program must be utilized by the end of 2026.