The Murphy Administration has announced the allocation of $100 million in grants from the Coastal Boardwalk Preservation Fund to 18 municipalities. These funds, managed by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), aim to address critical infrastructure needs on boardwalks and support coastal communities as vibrant tourist destinations. The investment will focus on using state-of-the-art materials with greater storm resilience to ensure long-lasting infrastructure.
Governor Phil Murphy stated, "Many of us have forged memories with family and friends on the maritime boardwalks of the New Jersey coast. Our boardwalks have long been a cherished destination; we want them to remain so, helping coastal communities repair and maintain these main wooden pathways." He added that the grants are "a great step in preserving the strength and vibrancy of these special places."
Acting DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez acknowledged the economic significance of boardwalks for many coastal towns but also noted their maintenance costs. She said, "To support this important state asset, the Murphy Administration created the Coastal Boardwalk Preservation Fund, alleviating local governments' financial burden in improvement activities."
The fund is supported by federal financing from the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund under the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Eligible applicants included New Jersey's coastal counties and municipalities with financial needs for construction, repair, and maintenance work on boardwalks. Applications were due by October 31, 2023.
Eligible projects had to meet at least one criterion: new component construction, maintenance work, reconstruction or repair of auxiliary structures. Examples include replacing old decking with durable materials, upgrading pilings and infrastructure, improving access with ADA-compliant ramps and railings, expanding existing areas on boardwalks, and providing grant funds to businesses needing upgrades.
Applications were evaluated based on project description clarity, funding objectives, phase breakdowns, timelines aligning with ARP deadlines, demonstrated capacity to meet project deadlines, and identification of other matching federal or local funds. Municipalities facing difficulties with a score above 50 on the 2020 Municipal Revitalization Index were not required to identify local matches.
Funding prioritization was given to financially struggling coastal municipalities based on project classification under Municipal Emergency Measures.
Grant recipients must allocate all funds by December 31, 2024, and disburse them by December 31, 2026.
The DCA's Division of Disaster Recovery & Mitigation promotes long-term resilience against severe weather events through initiatives supporting housing strengthening and business infrastructure against flood damage. The division also manages grants from both the State Fiscal Recovery Fund and Infrastructure Projects Fund assigned through ARP.
In addition to disaster recovery efforts, DCA offers various programs including local government administration finance management services such as affordable housing development planning community development fire safety building safety historic preservation information privacy among others.
