On January 26, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.1 million grant to North Wildwood for reconstruction of three blocks of boardwalk space.

This project will support boardwalk structural repairs, including timber replacement, electrical upgrades and lighting fixtures, as well as ADA compliant ramps, stairs and beach access. The EDA investment will be matched with $1.9 million in local funds and is expected to create 520 jobs and generate $11.8 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

The CCSNJ applauds this much needed funding to support tourism in the region. This is one of many recommendations the CCSNJ presented in the Preparing for the Next Normal Report, a detailed proposal on how government can help businesses succeed post-pandemic.