From the quiet mile plus long Lavallette boardwalk to the bustling boardwalks offering rides and game stands in Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant Beach, Ocean County Board of Commissioners Director Joseph H. Vicari is encouraging municipalities to apply for money from the state earmarked for preservation and upgrades to boardwalks.

"Our boardwalks serve as a centerpiece to the tourism industry in Ocean County," Vicari said. "Our municipalities and businesses invest time and money to keep them clean and safe. It's important our towns apply for this funding provided by the state through the federal American Rescue Plan Act in order to provide the best boardwalk experiences possible for our residents and visitors."

According to the Governor's office, Governor Phil Murphy on Aug. 15 signed S3989/A5675, which establishes the Boardwalk Preservation Fund and appropriates $100 million for the renovation and repair of boardwalks in Shore communities across the state.

Additionally, Governor Murphy announced the official opening of the Boardwalk Preservation Fund's application process, which is being managed by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and will remain open until October 31.

According to the DCA, the Boardwalk Preservation Fund aims to make critical investments in the boardwalk infrastructure of the Jersey Shore. The goal is to address the most critical and necessary capital needs along the Jersey Shore by rebuilding outdated and crumbling boardwalk infrastructure, removing blight, and mitigating condemned/abandoned properties on the boardwalks.

Successful applications will include strategies that enable or improve commercial, retail or transportation corridors. Successful applications will also invest in state-of-the-art materials that will meet the following objectives: increase storm resiliency; improve ADA access to boardwalk facilities, and ensure safer and longer lasting infrastructure

"The boardwalks in Ocean County provide a variety of recreational activities – some passive and some active – throughout the year," Vicari said. "In addition to help create memories for everyone using them, they are all part of the economic engine tied to tourism which is a $7 billion industry in Ocean County alone."

He added that while many boardwalks in Ocean County were repaired and many were replaced following Superstorm Sandy in October 2012, they have experienced wear and tear over the last 11 years.

"This money will be a big help in keeping the boardwalks up to date and the attraction that they are for tourists and our year-round residents," he said. "Whether you are out for a leisurely stroll or you want to put the grandkids on a ride and play some games, this is a great opportunity for all the towns with boardwalks."

For more information or to apply for funding from the Boardwalk Preservation Fund, please visit DCA's website at https://www.nj.gov/dca/ddrm/home/rfpboardwalkfund.shtml. The DCA is planning a technical assistance webinar for Aug. 29.