New Jersey’s boardwalks to get new life with $100M Boardwalk Preservation Fund

So many of New Jersey’s boardwalks serve as iconic fixtures in the Shore communities. Not only do they contribute to their local economies, but to their unique histories and cultural fabric. And many of them are in need of repair.

Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday signed legislation to establish the Boardwalk Preservation Fund, which appropriates $100 million for the renovation and repair of boardwalks in Shore communities across the state.

“Maximizing the potential of our boardwalks requires robust, forward-looking investments that will prepare them to endure the test of time and the intensifying impacts of the climate crisis,” Murphy said.

Murphy also announced the official opening of the Boardwalk Preservation Fund’s application process, which is being managed by the Department of Community Affairs and will remain open until Oct. 31.

Primary sponsors of the legislation include Sens. Paul Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge) and Michael Testa (R-Vineland) and Assemblymen Louis Greenwald (D-Voorhees) and William Moen (D-Audubon); co-sponsors include Sens. Vin Gopal (D-Ocean Twp.) and Vince Polistina (R-Egg Harbor Twp.).

“The boardwalks are the lifeblood of many of our Shore communities,” Senate President Nick Scutari (D-Clark) said. “They are a distinctive part of the Jersey Shore that plays a key role in the state’s tourism economy. The Boardwalk Fund will help ensure that our boardwalks are repaired and maintained so they continue to be hallmarks for New Jersey that can be enjoyed by local residents and visitors.”

“Boardwalks are the heartbeat of our Shore towns, and the sight of countless summer memories for residents around the state,” Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark) said. “This funding will allow towns to make improvements to the structure of their boardwalks to allow them to withstand future storms, so they can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.”

The Boardwalk Fund is an ongoing investment that will help Shore communities reduce the expenses of upgrading and maintaining the boardwalks that are as much a part of the Jersey Shore as the sand and the sea.

“Today was yet another historic day in our great city, as the Murphy administration continues its strong and epic commitment to Atlantic City,” Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. said. “As the oldest and most notable Boardwalk in the country, we are confident that we will deliver a competitive application and receive our fair share of much-needed funding.”

For more information, or to apply for funding from the Boardwalk Preservation Fund, please visit DCA’s website. DCA is planning a technical assistance webinar for Aug. 29.