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North Wildwood receives $1.1M grant for boardwalk upgrades
Matthew Fazelpoor//January 27, 2023
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Jan. 26 that its Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.1 million grant to North Wildwood for a project to reconstruct three blocks of the boardwalk.
The effort, which is being matched with $1.9 million in local funds, will feature boardwalk structural repairs – including timber replacement, electrical upgrades and lighting fixtures – as well as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps, stairs and beach access.
Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondi says that the Biden Administration knows how important the travel and tourism industry is for the economy, especially here in the Garden State.
“This EDA investment will support the growth of the tourism sector in Wildwood, creating jobs and bringing more visitors to the region,” said Raimondi.
Officials estimate that this funding will create 520 jobs and generate $11.8 million in private investment.
The announcement comes on the heels of Gov. Phil Murphy’s State of the State address, during which he proposed the creation of a new statewide Boardwalk Fund.
“We thank the U.S. Department of Commerce and our congressional delegation for their continued commitment to New Jersey’s economic vitality,” said Murphy. “This investment in the future of North Wildwood will generate millions in private investment and hundreds of jobs in a community that long epitomized the very best of our state’s iconic tourist destinations. In tandem with the statewide Boardwalk Fund I proposed earlier this month, this pivotal federal support will further accelerate growth in our burgeoning shore economies.”
“This grant from the EDA will not only support the Wildwoods’ local tourism industry, but will create hundreds of jobs, support small business growth, and fuel additional private investment into the community,” said Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat.
Sen. Cory Booker, also a Democrat, said this funding is critical because New Jersey’s boardwalks serve as economic engines up and down the shore.
“This federal funding will provide vital upgrades to North Wildwood’s infrastructure and pave the way toward continued growth while attracting more businesses and visitors to the region,” said Booker.
“In South Jersey, the tourism and travel industry is vital to economic growth in the region,” said U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd District. “This grant for North Wildwood will attract visitors, provide jobs, and as a result, stimulate the local economy.”
