New Jersey allocates $100 million to rebuild iconic shore boardwalks

New Jersey has announced the allocation of $100 million in federal COVID-19 recovery funds to repair and rebuild iconic boardwalks along the Jersey Shore, including the historic walkway adjacent to Atlantic City casinos and the famed coastal thoroughfare in Asbury Park, where Bruce Springsteen launched his musical career.

Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, said: "So many of us have created memories with family and friends at the boardwalks of the Jersey Shore. 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 funds, distributed among 18 Jersey Shore towns, aim to assist in the costly endeavor of maintaining and strengthening these vital economic and recreational assets. Jacquelyn Suarez, acting commissioner of the state Division of Community Affairs, underscored the financial burden borne by local governments in preserving these boardwalks, which serve as major economic engines for shore towns.

Suarez noted that while boardwalks are a major economic engine for shore towns and the regions that include them, "they are also incredibly expensive for local governments to maintain, repair, and strengthen.”

Atlantic City's Boardwalk, hailed as the nation's first, will receive $20 million for restoration efforts, while Asbury Park's iconic walkway will also benefit from a $20 million allocation. 

Other recipient towns include North Wildwood ($10.2 million), Wildwood ($8.27 million), Ventnor ($7.1 million), Cape May ($6.7 million), Ocean City ($4.8 million), Seaside Heights ($4.8 million), Bradley Beach ($4.3 million) and more, each receiving funds to support their boardwalk projects.

The initiative not only focuses on infrastructure repair but also considers the economic impact on local businesses. Part of the allocated funds may be utilized as grants for businesses needing to adapt to the new boardwalks.