U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.2 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Tourism in Wildwood, New Jersey

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3.2 million grant to the city of Wildwood, New Jersey, for reconstruction of two and a half blocks of boardwalk space. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will support structural repairs to Wildwood’s boardwalk, including timber replacement, concrete trolley beams and slabs, and new railings and stairs, welcoming visitors back to a town with a significant tourist economy. This EDA grant will be matched with $845,000 in local funds and is expected to create 109 jobs and generate $6 million in private investment.

“President Biden is committed to harnessing the full power of the federal government to ensure our nation not only recovers from this pandemic but builds a better America in the process,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will increase local tourism as an economic driver for pandemic response and recovery efforts.”

“The travel and tourism industry is a critical economic driver for many local economies across the country,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will support local tourism, which represents a significant portion of the regional economy.”

“Tourism has always played an important role in New Jersey’s economy, particularly in our Shore towns,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This federal funding, on top of the $4 million our Administration distributed this fiscal year and the additional $4 million dedicated to the Wildwood Boardwalk in my proposed budget, will not only help create jobs and bolster local tourism, but will also ensure residents and visitors alike can continue to enjoy this historical landmark for years to come. I thank President Biden’s Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration for this investment in our state.”

“The tourism industry is critical to the Jersey Shore and its economy,” said Senator Bob Menendez. “These federal funds will create good-paying jobs, give a boost to the local economy, and ensure Wildwood has the resources to welcome tourists back to its great town. I was proud to have worked hard to secure these funds and pass the American Rescue Plan and I thank President Biden for his commitment to the success of South Jersey.”

“More than one year after the American Rescue Plan was signed into law, the critical legislation is continuing to provide federal funding for New Jersey communities to use for vital projects,” said Senator Cory Booker. “This latest investment will help improve the existing infrastructure at the iconic boardwalk in Wildwood, creating jobs while also improving the quality of life for residents and tourists.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in grants to all 50 states and territories in 2021. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.