New Jersey announces $100 million to fix boardwalks

ASBURY PARK, N.J. -- There are plans to spruce up 20 boardwalks and iconic buildings down the Jersey Shore this summer.

On Friday, Gov. Phil Murphy and other lawmakers announced a $100 million Boardwalk Preservation Fund in Asbury Park.

The fund, which Murphy said came from the American Rescue Plan, includes $20 million to finish repairing the iconic Asbury Park Boardwalk and help repair the Convention Hall and other facilities there.

"The Boardwalk Preservation Fund is so much more than a $100 million investment in the infrastructure of these communities. It's an investment in more summers, more music and more memories to come," said Murphy. "Welcome to the Jersey Shore for the summer of '24."

The Asbury Park Convention Hall and Paramount Theatre are some of the most memorable landmarks down the Jersey Shore. Bruce Springsteen and others have performed there.

Atlantic City will get a large chunk of the fund, too. Money will also go toward building more restrooms on Jersey Shore boardwalks for increased foot traffic.

"We need these boardwalks. We need these to stand for the test of time," said Republican State Sen. Michael Testa.

Murphy, who is expecting record crowds down the shore this summer, praised the bipartisan legislation and said both sides agreed the Jersey Shore is a huge part of New Jersey's charm.

Lifeguards will be on duty at most Jersey Shore beaches starting Memorial Day weekend.