Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration Friday announced the award of $100 million in Boardwalk Preservation Fund grants to 18 municipalities to assist them in addressing the most critical and necessary capital needs of boardwalks in their communities.
Administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, the grant funding also aims to help Jersey Shore communities remain vibrant tourism destinations in the long term by investing in state-of-the-art materials that increase storm resiliency and ensure longer lasting infrastructure.
The Boardwalk Preservation Fund is made possible through federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, which have been dedicated by the governor and the Legislature to an array of economic recovery and revitalization projects across New Jersey.
The awards:
- Asbury Park: $20 million
- Atlantic City: $20 million
- Belmar: $1.5 million
- Berkeley Township: $448,125
- Bradley Beach: $4.3 million
- Brigantine: $1.2 million
- Cape May: $6.7 million
- Carteret: $2.4 million
- Keyport: $800,694
- Long Branch: $3.3 million
- North Wildwood: $10.3 million
- Ocean City: $4.9 million
- Sea Isle City: $2 million
- Seaside Heights: $4.8 million
- Toms River: $1 million
- Ventor: $7.1 million
- Wildwood: $8.3 million
- Wildwood Crest: $1.1 million
New Jersey coastal counties and municipalities with existing boardwalks that sought funding for boardwalk construction, repair, and maintenance were eligible to apply. Applications were due by Oct. 31, 2023.
Eligible projects had to meet at least one of the following criteria: boardwalk construction that adds new boardwalk components, boardwalk maintenance, boardwalk reconstruction or repair of ancillary or appurtenant structures.
Examples of projects include replacement of old and crumbling decking along the boardwalk with resilient, longer-lasting materials; replacement of deteriorating pilings and boardwalk infrastructure; improving access and safety by building ADA-compliant ramps and railings; expanding an existing section of the boardwalk; and providing grant funds to businesses that need to complete upgrades to align with the proposed boardwalk construction.
All grant funds must be obligated by Dec. 31 and must be expended by the grant recipients by Dec. 31, 2026.
