During a Tuesday ceremony at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation that establishes a $100 million Boardwalk Preservation Fund for the renovation and repair of boardwalks up and down the Jersey Shore.

The bipartisan legislation (Senate Bill 3989/Assembly Bill 5675), which has been widely supported on both sides of the aisle, was passed alongside the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget earlier this year. The Aug. 15 signing drew a number of bill sponsors from both parties, as well as a slew of local dignitaries, business leaders, officials and other community stakeholders.

While the signing was an upbeat occasion, each speaker noted that it was bittersweet because of the recent passing of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, a longtime champion of Atlantic City — an area of focus under her purview as commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

“There was no bigger champion for Atlantic City, who didn’t actually live here, than the DCA’s former commissioner, my partner in government – the legendary Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver,” said Murphy. “It is very hard to stand here today with her not by my side. Sheila, we love you. And we’re going to do everything we can to keep fighting for Atlantic City and the broader mandate – both in DCA and her capacity as Lieutenant Governor.”

The new initiative is being funded through American Rescue Plan dollars.

“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,” said Murphy. “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. I’m proud to build upon Lt. Gov. Oliver’s legacy as a champion of Atlantic City while we stand alongside elected officials on both sides of the aisle in support of these invaluable community assets.”

Murphy also announced the immediate launch of the application process for the program, being managed by DCA, which will remain open until Oct. 31.

“Starting, literally, right now, shore communities can submit their proposals to receive the financial support they need to get started on repairs,” said Murphy.

Something everyone can agree on

“The boardwalks are the lifeblood of many of our shore communities,” said Senate President Nick Scutari, D-22nd District. “They are distinctive part of the Jersey Shore that plays a key role in the state’s tourism economy. The Boardwalk Fund will help ensure that our boardwalks are repaired and maintained so they continue to be hallmarks for New Jersey that can be enjoyed by local residents.”

“Boardwalks are an integral part of the Jersey Shore experience, serving as a place for friends and families to gather and make memories,” said Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, D-6th District, and Assemblyman Bill Moen, D-5th District. “By making this investment, we are ensuring that we keep our boardwalks in good shape for both tourists and residents to visit and contribute to the local shore economies.”

“I am pleased that Gov. Murphy signed this bipartisan legislation to make this historic investment to help preserve these vital features of our shore town communities,” said Sen. Michael Testa, R-1st District. “Boardwalks are a key economic driver for the state. The Boardwalk Preservation Fund will help our coastal cities preserve and maintain these iconic tourist locations for generations to come.”

Sen. Vince Polistina, R-2nd District, said the fund will help make the necessary repairs to the boardwalks and beaches, emphasizing how productive lawmakers can be when they work in a bipartisan fashion like this.

“This bill – the governor mentioned bipartisanship – 37-0 in the State Senate,” said Polistina. “Every single senator that was there voted in favor of this Boardwalk Preservation Fund. So that tells you we are doing real work for the people in a bipartisan fashion in this state.”

“As the oldest and most notable boardwalk in the country, we are confident that we will deliver a competitive application and receive our fair share of much-needed funding,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., who kicked off the ceremony by thanking Murphy for his administration’s support of “the Great City of Atlantic City” and delivered his signature line: “It’s a great day here in the City of Atlantic City.”

“Many boardwalks across the state’s shoreline are in a state of disrepair and in need of an infusion of capital for repairs and restoration,” said Christina Renna, president and CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey. “The Boardwalk Fund will help do just that, assuring that this tourism destination remains intact for years to come.”

The governor also noted that as the state’s economic recovery continues from the throes of the pandemic, it is a collective responsibility of leaders to sustain it and build upon it.

“To keep our long-standing promise to shore communities that we will not let you fall behind,” said Murphy. “Frankly, we can’t afford to let you fall behind because the wooden main streets of Atlantic City, along with every shore community, will lead us to New Jersey’s economic and cultural future. And today, we’re investing in that future.”

On Aug. 29, DCA is planning a technical assistance webinar. More information on the fund, including the application, is available here.