Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $6 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds for Boardwalk Improvements to Support Tourism in Atlantic City, New Jersey

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $6 million grant to Atlantic City, New Jersey, to support the Atlantic City Boardwalk Revitalization Project. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This grant will provide for the demolition and reconstruction of 1,200 feet of the Atlantic City boardwalk to boost the growth of the local tourism economy. The EDA investment will be matched with $1.5 million in local funds and is expected to create 125 jobs and generate $5 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is dedicated to supporting the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector as it works to recover and rebuild following the pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment will encourage more people to visit the historic Atlantic City boardwalk, boosting the local business community and creating new jobs.”

“The travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sector is a critical economic driver for many communities and the Economic Development Administration is pleased to support community-led development strategies designed to boost tourism and build a better America,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “The Boardwalk Revitalization project will improve the quality of life for all that live, work and shop in the area.”

“I am grateful to our federal partners for their support of my administration’s ongoing efforts to promote economic development throughout our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “With millions of visitors flocking to our beaches every summer, tourism is a meaningful component of the Jersey Shore economy. Improvements to the Atlantic City boardwalk will encourage further tourism and bolster local businesses in this vibrant city. I thank the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration for this important funding.”

“Atlantic City is vital to our state’s tourism industry and plays a critical role in the success of the local economy,” said Senator Bob Menendez. “I’m proud to have worked in a bipartisan manner to pass the American Rescue Plan which will deliver millions of federal dollars to support this major project, while creating good-paying jobs and boosting the South Jersey economy. I thank the Biden Administration for supporting this project and their dedication to families across New Jersey.”

“The iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk serves as a central hub for small businesses and a tourist destination,” said Senator Cory Booker. “As the frequency and impact of severe weather and coastal flooding increase, ongoing rehabilitation is needed for the boardwalk to remain safe for residents, businesses, and tourists. I was proud to support this critical revitalization project, which will repair damaged sections of the boardwalk and ensure that it remains a central component of the community’s economy.”

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.