Andrzejczak, Land and Milam Budget Bill to Invest in Wildwood Tourism and Restoration Efforts Heads to Governor

 

(TRENTON) – Every year, an estimated nine million tourists visit North Wildwood, Wildwood and Wildwood Crest to enjoy the beautiful beaches and wide variety of family-friendly attractions that have delighted visitors for decades.

 

To ensure the Wildwoods will remain a popular tourist destination for years to come, Senator Bob Andrzejczak and Assemblymen R. Bruce Land and Matt Milam (all D-Cape May, Atlantic County, Cumberland) have sponsored legislation (A-3869/S-1364) to appropriate $4 million in the State budget to the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority for construction, maintenance, reconstruction and repair of the nearly 100-year-old boardwalk. The measure received final legislative approval on Thursday, passing the full Senate by a vote of XX-XX.

 

“Over nine million visitors come through the Wildwoods each year, yielding more than $1.5 billion in tourism spending annually, and that spending expands at a rate of five percent every year,” said Andrzejczak. “The boardwalk is not just a vital component to the tourism economy of the Wildwoods, but to all of Cape May County. This legislation will preserve the thriving tourism economy here and the thousands of local jobs it produces.”

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“The Wildwood boardwalk is a beloved staple of the Jersey Shore,” said Land. “It’s a place where families make memories that will last a lifetime. Investing in the boardwalk will make it even more attractive to visitors, which will inevitably be good for business and overall tourism.”

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The bill also requires the State to appropriate $4 million from the General Fund annually for restoration purposes through fiscal year 2034.

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“In 2015 alone, Wildwood businesses brought in $33 million in state and local taxes. It’s time for us to reinvest some of those tax dollars back into the community,” said Milam. “Taking steps to reconstruct the boardwalk will enhance Wildwood’s offerings for residents and tourists alike. This support will help secure Wildwood’s place as a premier tourist destination for future generations.”

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The measure passed the full Assembly last week by a vote of 50-24; it now heads to the Governor's desk.