Fund Will Provide Critical Investment in Boardwalk Infrastructure Along the Jersey Shore

Asbury Park – Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Vin Gopal today visited the historic Asbury Park Boardwalk to highlight a $100 million proposal in the Governor’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget to support the launch of the new Boardwalk Fund program. The Boardwalk Fund is aimed at strengthening boardwalk infrastructure along the shore and will invest in the overall rehabilitation, resilience, and revitalization of these attractions, which serve as a boon for tourism and enhance the economies of our shore communities and the state as a whole. 

“When I imagine a summer in New Jersey, it’s hard to do so without thinking of our beautiful shore towns, especially our boardwalks, in which I can recall many fond memories with my loved ones,” said Governor Murphy. “The Boardwalk Fund will help us ensure that these wooden main streets, which are the backbones of their communities, remain a place for families to continue making memories at the Jersey shore for generations to come.”

The Boardwalk Fund will utilize American Rescue Plan (ARP) COVID State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds which have been dedicated by the Governor and the Legislature to a wide array of vital economic recovery and revitalization projects across New Jersey.

The application process will be managed by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Office of Disaster Recovery and Mitigation, which will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to shore municipalities. 

To ensure that the Boardwalk Fund addresses the most critical and necessary capital needs along the Shore, funding will be prioritized to shore municipalities facing financial distress and to projects that rehabilitate or improve the resilience of existing structures. Using environmentally friendly and state-of-the-art materials for these projects is a critical component to secure safer, longer lasting, and more resilient boardwalk infrastructure. Projects that add new boardwalks or allied amenities, such as recreation areas, services, or retail facilities will also be eligible for funding.

“The varied personalities of Jersey Shore towns – and their boardwalks – are hallmarks of New Jersey, drawing millions of visitors who contribute to the energy and economy of these communities,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. “By partnering with municipal and county governments through the Boardwalk Fund, we are investing in the future of our shore communities and ensuring they remain a vibrant destination for generations to come.”

“Our boardwalks are American icons woven into the many memories of the Jersey Shore we share with family and friends,” said Congressman Frank Pallone. “Governor Murphy’s Boardwalk Fund proposal would help preserve these economic anchors of our state, as well as our heritage, for everyone who lives and visits the Jersey Shore for years to come. I applaud Governor Murphy for taking action to support our state’s coastal communities.” 

The Governor, Senator Gopal, and Asbury Park Mayor John Moor visited three small businesses along the boardwalk to further solidify the importance of this program as we approach the busy summer tourist season. Those businesses were Tony’s-Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Galleria, and The Break.

“As State Senator in a district that has a number of shore towns, I know the importance of a viable and safe boardwalk,” said Senator Vin Gopal. "As we look towards the summer, we know we will see residents coming from across the state to take advantage of the beach and boardwalk, and they will be sustaining and empowering the local businesses. I am excited to see more funding coming to our district through the Boardwalk Fund."

“The boardwalks are the lifeblood of many of our Shore communities and the Jersey Shore belongs to all of us,” said Senator Paul Sarlo. “It is part of the state’s identity and a part of the lives of so many. The Boardwalk Fund is an ongoing investment that will help local communities reduce the expenses of maintaining their boardwalks, support local businesses and keep the fond memories of our Shore experiences alive.”

“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, Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald, and Assembly Budget Chair Eliana Pintor Marin. “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.”

“It is an honor for our town to be named as having one of the top 25 beaches in the entire country by Travel + Leisure, and we had the best Governor and best Senator show up to Asbury Park today – which is even better,” said Asbury Park Mayor John Moor. “Their boardwalk initiative will help revitalize New Jersey’s boardwalks, which are such an important part of our state and bring in many tourists throughout the summer. This has been a great kick-off to what will be one of the best summer seasons yet.”