OCEAN COUNTY – A County official is urging communities with boardwalks to apply for state funds.
Ocean County Board of Commissioners Director Joseph H. Vicari wants to see municipalities like Lavallette with its mile long boardwalk and Seaside Heights whose boardwalks are filled with rides and games to take advantage of a state program that will award them funds that are earmarked for preservation and upgrades to boardwalks.
“Our boardwalks serve as a centerpiece to the tourism industry in Ocean County,” Vicari said. “Our municipalities and businesses invest time and money to keep them clean and safe.”
“It’s important our towns apply for this funding provided by the state through the federal American Rescue Plan Act in order to provide the best boardwalk experiences possible for our residents and visitors,” Vicari stressed.
State Governor Phil Murphy signed S3989/A5675 on Aug. 15 which establishes the Boardwalk Preservation Fund and appropriates $100 million for the renovation and repair of boardwalks in Shore communities across New Jersey.
The governor 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 October 31.
DCA representatives stated the Boardwalk Preservation Fund aims to make critical investments in the boardwalk infrastructure of the Jersey Shore. The goal is to address the most critical and necessary capital needs along the Jersey Shore by rebuilding outdated and crumbling boardwalk infrastructure, removing blight, and mitigating condemned/abandoned properties on the boardwalks.
Successful applications will include strategies that enable or improve commercial, retail or transportation corridors.
Successful applications will also invest in state-of-the-art materials that will meet the following objectives: increase storm resiliency, improve ADA access to boardwalk facilities, and ensure safer and longer lasting infrastructure.
Vicari added, “the boardwalks in Ocean County provide a variety of recreational activities – some passive and some active – throughout the year. In addition to help create memories for everyone using them, they are all part of the economic engine tied to tourism which is a $7 billion industry in Ocean County alone.”
The official added that while many boardwalks in Ocean County were repaired and many were replaced following Superstorm Sandy in October 2012, they have experienced wear and tear over the last 11 years.
“This money will be a big help in keeping the boardwalks up to date and the attraction that they are for tourists and our year-round residents. Whether you are out for a leisurely stroll or you want to put the grandkids on a ride and play some games, this is a great opportunity for all the towns with boardwalks,” Vicari added.
For additional information or to apply for funding from the Boardwalk Preservation Fund, visit DCA’s website at nj.gov/dca/ddrm/home/rfpboardwalkfund.shtml. The DCA is planning a technical assistance webinar on Aug. 29.
