Legislation Signed Establishing $100M Boardwalk Preservation Fund

On Aug 15, 2023

Governor Phil Murphy today signed S3989/A5675, which establishes the Boardwalk Preservation Fund and appropriates $100 million for the renovation and repair of boardwalks in Shore communities across the state. Primary sponsors of the legislation include Senator Paul Sarlo, Senator Michael Testa, Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald, and Assemblyman William Moen; co-sponsors include Senator Vin Gopal and Senator Vince Polistina.

Murphy also announced the official opening of the Boardwalk Preservation Fund’s application process, which is being managed by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and will remain open until Oct. 31. As a crucial complement to the Boardwalk Preservation Fund in Atlantic City, the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget also includes an investment of tens of millions of American Rescue Plan dollars toward infrastructure investments that will continue help the city’s economic recovery.

“From Atlantic City to Asbury Park, for decades our state’s boardwalks have served as iconic fixtures in our Shore communities, contributing not just to their local economies but to their unique histories and cultural fabric as well,” said Murphy. “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. I’m proud to build upon Lieutenant Governor Oliver’s legacy as a champion of Atlantic City while we stand alongside elected officials on both sides of the aisle in support of these invaluable community assets.”

“The boardwalks are the lifeblood of many of our Shore communities,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “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.”

“Our state is well-known for its beautiful shoreline, which is among our greatest natural resources, and vibrant beach towns. They are central to New Jersey’s identity and contribute to our strong economic base,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “These towns fuel our tourism industry and serve as a powerful economic driver. We need to uplift travel and tourism so that local economies are able to thrive.”

“Boardwalks are the heartbeat of our shore towns, and the sight of countless summer memories for residents around the state,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “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,” said Senator Paul Sarlo, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. “The boardwalks are a key part of the state’s identity and serve as a lifeblood for local businesses. The Jersey Shore belongs to everyone and this initiative will help keep alive the fond memories so many of us have of our Shore experiences so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

“Today was yet another historic day in our great city as the Murphy Administration continues its strong and epic commitment to Atlantic City,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. “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.”

“The boardwalk is, more than any other single feature, the symbol of the Jersey Shore to the world – it is truly iconic,” said Christina M. Renna, president & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey. “Unfortunately, many boardwalks across the state’s shoreline are in a state of disrepair and in need of an infusion of capital for repairs and restoration. The Boardwalk Fund will help do just that, assuring that this tourism destination remains intact for years to come.”

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.

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