According to a report in The Press of Atlantic City, Wildwood officials have finalized a master plan that includes an approval to formally ask the State of New Jersey for $64.5 million in funding to reconstruct the Boardwalk.
The city's case is bluntly laid out in the plan, which argues that revenue generated from state tourism taxes come largely from the Boardwalk.
It states: "The Wildwood Boardwalk is nearly 100 years old and is failing in many respects."
Total reconstruction would include a new concrete base and hardwood decking, along with upgraded infrastructure (fiber optics, sewer and water piping).
Mayor Ernie Troiano has stated his unwillingness to implement a tax to fund the project, which would cover 24 blocks in total (though they vary in length).
The master plan favors a phased approach to reconstruction, broken down into three eight-block sections:
Oak Avenue to 26th Avenue: $25.5 million
Montgomery Avenue to Schellenger Avenue: $20.7 million
Cresse Avenue to Burk Avenue: $18.3 million
A little over a decade ago, in successive offseasons, the two-block stretch of the Boardwalk between Schellenger and Oak avenues was completely reconstructed, and re-decked with Brazilian hardwood.
The process used screws instead of nails, and does not include the concrete pathways for the Sightseer Tram Cars that the rest of the wooden way still requires. In essence, the city is hopeful for a continuation of that work.
If state funding is approved, the project could begin as early as this fall. In the meantime, Wildwood officials say they will continue to search for funding from other sources.
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