This EDA investment will support the reconstruction of just over four blocks of the wildwood boardwalk, from burk avenue to approximately 120 feet past hand avenue, in a region with a significant…

The Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration awarded $7.869 million to the City of Wildwood on January 1, 2026, under the Economic Adjustment Assistance program (CFDA 11.307) for reconstruction of approximately four blocks of the Wildwood Boardwalk between Burk Avenue and Hand Avenue in New Jersey.

The boardwalk, nearly 100 years old, sustained Hurricane Ida-related damage in 2021 and required reconstruction. The project is expected to create or retain 212 jobs and generate $8.6 million in private investment, matched with $3.8 million in local funds. Work will be performed in Wildwood, New Jersey, with ultimate completion scheduled for April 30, 2030. The award was informed by regional planning efforts led by the South Jersey Economic Development District, which EDA funds to convene public and private sectors in developing an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.

This EDA investment will support the reconstruction of just over four blocks of the wildwood boardwalk, from burk avenue to approximately 120 feet past hand avenue, in a region with a significant tourist economy. This portion of the wildwood boardwalk is nearly 100 years old and in need of reconstruction as a result of hurricane IDA-related damage in 2021. The EDA investment will be matched with $3.8 million in local funds and is expected to create or retain 212 jobs and generate $8.6 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the south jersey economic development district (SJEDD). EDA funds SJEDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment, and create jobs.