18 New Jersey towns win Boardwalk Protection Fund grants

The centerpiece of many Jersey Shore towns is the boardwalk, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people each year. For New Jersey locals and seasonal visitors, walking the Boardwalk brings back many memories. And for some, it’s not truly summer until you’ve visited your favorite shop at or near The Boards.

The Boardwalk Preservation Fund is critical to New Jersey’s coastal communities because Jersey Shore communities depend on tourism for their local economies. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced that $100 million in Boardwalk Preservation Fund grants will be distributed to 18 municipalities in 2024.

“Many of us have made memories with family and friends on the Jersey Shore boardwalks. Our boardwalks have long been treasured destinations, and we are proud that coastal communities are We want to keep it that way by helping to restore and maintain our streets,” Governor Murphy said in a press release. “We look forward to all the important projects that will result from our investment in the Boardwalk Preservation Fund. The grant awards announced today are a meaningful step in preserving the health and dynamism of these special places.”

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs will distribute Boardwalk Preservation Funds to the following Jersey Shore municipalities:

Asbury Park: $20 million
One of New Jersey’s oldest boardwalks is located in Asbury Park and is one of the Jersey Shore’s most popular summer destinations. The Asbury Park Convention Hall, located on the Ocean Avenue boardwalk, has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment since it opened in the 1920s.

Atlantic City: $20 million
From the world-famous Steel Pier to the historic Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City offers more than just casinos. The first section of the Atlantic City Boardwalk dates back to 1870, and many of the city’s biggest attractions and businesses are located on or adjacent to the Boardwalk.

Borough of Belmar: $1,504,184
The Belmar Boardwalk is part of the charm of this small coastal town. For more than 130 years, Belmar has been a popular vacation destination, and the Shoretown Boardwalk has been one of a kind since it was rebuilt after the devastating damage of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. .

Berkeley Township: $448,125
Berkeley Township is home to three county parks, two state parks, and miles of beaches. This includes John C. Bartlett Jr. County Park and White Sands Beach.

Bradley Beach: $4,275,000
Although historically one of the youngest municipalities in Monmouth County, Bradley Beach has been a popular resort destination for more than 120 years. The quaint mile-long boardwalk includes a mini golf course and playground.

Brigantine: $1,185,838
Originally built in 1995, Brigantine Promenade is maintained by Atlantic County, which applied for state grants on Brigantine’s behalf. Located at the northern tip of the island, Promenade Walk is also a buffer zone for the houses across from the beach.

Cape May City: $6,722,552
Located along Beach Avenue on the Cape May Promenade, it was built in the aftermath of the infamous Ash Wednesday storm of 1962, which destroyed the wooden boardwalk. Cape May is one of North America’s oldest resort towns, dating back to the 18th century.

Carteret Borough: $2,417,339
The town is building a 5-mile boardwalk that will run along the Arthur Kill Waterfront. The new “Riverwalk” will create a walkway connecting Carteret Waterfront Park to other attractions along the river.

Keyport District: $800,694
For nearly 200 years, Keyport, along with its shipyards and oyster boats, has been the mainstay for boats traveling to and from New York. Currently, the Matawan She Promenade is a key point along She Creek.

Long Branch: $3,249,000
For more than 200 years, Long Branch was a popular summer vacation destination for Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, James Garfield, and Woodrow Wilson. The promenade and promenade attract thousands of people each year for events, jogging, and more.

North Wildwood: $10,259,827
Originally the Borough of Angelsea in 1885, North Wildwood is now a hub of activity each summer, with numerous restaurants and seasonal activities. The famous Wildwood Boardwalk, which begins as a walkway adjacent to the beach, begins at North His 13th Street in Wildwood.

Ocean City: $4,859,175
Dating back to the 1880s, the Ocean City Boardwalk is one of the oldest in New Jersey, and each summer hundreds of thousands of tourists walk the “board” and visit local businesses. The popular South Jersey shore community spends millions of dollars each year on boardwalk repairs, and this money will be used for improvements ahead of the 2024 summer season.

Sea Isle City: $1,997,000
Originally a wooden boardwalk until it was obliterated by the Ash Wednesday storm of 1962, for the past 60 years Sea Isle City’s “Boardwalk” has become a concrete promenade. The mayor of Sea Isle City, where nearly half of the island stretches along the beach, says he will use the money to add handicap-accessible ramps and repave the boardwalk.

Seaside Heights: $4,795,362
Founded less than 100 years ago, this town is one of the “younger” towns on the Jersey Shore. Seaside Heights has one of the busiest boardwalks during the summer with the popular Casino Pier, and one of the best boardwalks in New Jersey is right off Exit 82 of the Garden State Parkway.

Toms River: $1,018,441
The Toms River community predates the American Revolution, but it was renamed Toms River Township in 2006. Toms River will use the grant money to make repairs to the Autry Beach boardwalk and beach access ramp.

Ventnor: $7,110,689
The shore town of Ventnor, south of Atlantic City, has a more relaxed atmosphere compared to AC’s bustling urban atmosphere. The Ventnor Boardwalk stretches along the beach and extends south of the Atlantic City Boardwalk, providing a peaceful environment for walkers and joggers.

Wildwood: $8,269,013
One of the Jersey Shore’s most famous boardwalks is located just off Exit 4 of the Garden State Parkway in Wildwood. For more than 120 years, the Wildwood Boardwalk has been one of South Jersey’s major tourist attractions, home to numerous pizza shops, arcades, an amusement pier, and the Wildwood Convention Center.

Wildwood Crest: $1,087,425
A quieter section of the famous Wildwood Boardwalk is the section that belongs to Wildwood Crest. Since 1910, Wildwood Crest is to the City of Wildwood what Ventnor City is to Atlantic City, a shore town escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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