Gov. Murphy shakes hands with Assemblyman Don Guardian at the bill signing ceremony. (Photo provided)
Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill Tuesday establishing a Boardwalk Preservation Fund for New Jersey's shore communities.
The fund appropriates $100 million for the renovation and repair of boardwalks in beach towns across the state, according to a news release.
Primary sponsors of the legislation include Senators Paul Sarlo and Michael Testa and Assemblymen Louis D. Greenwald and William Moen. It was co-sponsored by Senators Vin Gopal and Vince Polistina.
“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,” Murphy said in the news release.
He continued, “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."
Murphy also announced the Boardwalk Preservation Fund application process, which is being managed by the Department of Community Affairs and will remain open until Oct. 31.
Ocean City's Boardwalk bustles in summer.
The fiscal 2024 state budget also includes an investment of tens of millions of American Rescue Plan dollars toward infrastructure investments that will continue to drive economic recovery and success, according to the release.
"Millions of tourists flock to the Jersey Shore each year to enjoy our boardwalks and our beautiful beaches," Testa said. "I am pleased that Governor Murphy signed this bipartisan legislation to make this historic investment to help preserve these vital features of our shore town communities."
Polistina said millions of visitors from all over the world enjoy the state’s historic boardwalks and the funding will help municipalities preserve and maintain the popular tourist destinations.
"Our boardwalks and beaches generate millions of dollars of revenue and are the lifeblood of our coastal counties and municipalities," Polistina said. "I am thankful that Governor Murphy signed this bipartisan bill. We are making a monumental investment that will provide a significant boost to the long-term economic success of the New Jersey Shore."
Assemblyman Don Guardian described the boardwalks as "the backbone of New Jersey’s thriving billions-dollar summer tourism season."
"Making these grants available to ensure our boardwalks remain the envy of coastal states, are broadened for increased bicycle use, and are easily accessible for residents with disabilities is a win for the Jersey Shore and all of New Jersey,” Guardian said.
