Renovations And Upgrades Could Be Coming Soon To Jersey Shore Boardwalks
Ocean County Board of Commissioners Director Joseph H. Vicari is encouraging municipalities to apply for money from the state earmarked for preservation and upgrades to boardwalks. “Our boardwalks serve as…
WILDWOOD, NEW JERSEY – MAY 28: People walk and ride along the boardwalk the day before the Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer, in the shore community of Wildwood on May 28, 2021 in Wildwood, New Jersey. Wildwood, like many beach communities throughout the United States, is looking for a successful and busy summer season after staying mostly closed or partially open last summer due to Covid-19 restrictions. Many resort community retail businesses are also suffering from a shortage of labor as some workers are choosing to stay home and others have changed career paths. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Ocean County Board of Commissioners Director Joseph H. Vicari is encouraging municipalities to apply for money from the state 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." "It's provided by the state through the federal American Rescue Plan Act to provide the best boardwalk experiences possible..."
DIRECTOR JOSEPH H. VICARI photo from Ocean County Government Directory
Governor Phil Murphy on Aug. 15 signed S3989/A5675. This establishes the Boardwalk Preservation Fund and appropriates $100 million for the renovation and repair of boardwalks in Shore communities across the state.
Additionally, Governor Murphy announced the official opening of the Boardwalk Preservation Fund’s application process. This is being managed by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and will remain open until October 31.
(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
According to the DCA, 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. Rebuilding outdated and crumbling boardwalk infrastructure, removing blight, and mitigating condemned/abandoned properties.
Meanwhile, successful applications will include strategies that enable or improve commercial, retail, or transportation corridors. Furthermore, successful applications will also invest in state-of-the-art materials that will meet multiple objectives. These include increasing storm resiliency; improving ADA access to boardwalk facilities, and ensuring safer and longer-lasting infrastructure.
(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
“The boardwalks in Ocean County provide a variety of recreational activities – some passive and some active – throughout the year,” Vicari said. “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.”
Vicari 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.
(Photo by Mark Makela/Getty Images)
“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.”
Find out more about Mr. Vicari here.
