The City of Ventnor was one of the biggest winners in Governor Murphy’s Boardwalk Preservation Fund competition. Governor Phil Murphy allocated $100 million for boardwalk construction throughout the State. The Ventnor grant totaled $7,110,689.
Mayor Landgraf stated, “this is a huge step forward towards improving and upgrading the structure of our boardwalk. The City will immediately start the needed engineering to be able to commence construction this fall. I would like to thank Governor Murphy for his strong support of this initiative.”
Commissioners Tim Kriebel and Maria Mento added, “This new initiative would not have been possible with the strong support and legislative sponsorship of Senator Polistina, Assemblyman Guardian and Assemblywomen Swift.”
The Ventnor Boardwalk was built in 1962. The entire structure is built of wood which has deteriorated over time. Some of the pilings are hourglass shaped and some of the joists have split due to years of use and the weight of vehicle traffic.
“So many of us have created memories with family and friends at the boardwalks of the Jersey shore,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement Thursday evening. “Our boardwalks have long been a prized destination, and we want to keep them that way by helping shore communities repair and maintain these wooden main streets. We look forward to all the vital projects that will result from our Boardwalk Preservation Fund investments. These grant awards are a meaningful step in preserving the health and dynamism of these special places.”
The City of Ventnor project includes total demolition of sections of the existing boardwalk and foundation pile and installation of new treated timber piles spaced at 12 feet, slightly closer that the existing spacing of 14 feet to provide additional strength and a longer lasting product. ADA ramps will be installed at locations where needed. The grant requires that the boardwalk be completed by the end of 2026.
“Our boardwalks and beaches generate millions of dollars of revenue and are the lifeblood of Atlantic County,” said Senator Vince Polistina.
Competition was significant since there were dozens of applications requesting hundreds of millions of dollars. The City plans to apply for other State and Federal grants to complete the needed reconstruction of the boardwalk. The cost to totally replace the Boardwalk is estimated to be $26 million. Rutala Associates prepared the grant application on the City’s behalf.
Assemblyman Don Guardian stated, “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.”
“Some of my fondest memories growing up here are at the boardwalk. My husband and I now have the joy of watching our own children do so many of the same things I did as a kid,” said Assemblywoman Claire Swift. “This Boardwalk Preservation Fund will help our towns, so all our children and future generations can continue making the best memories here.”
