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Wildwood Crest updates residents on potential $20M+ flood-mitigation grants, IBank projects and park upgrades
Summary
Officials said the borough may receive federal/state flood-mitigation awards in the $20M+ range (with a 25% borough match), reported $2 million in IBank principal forgiveness for Phase 1 and discussed Park Boulevard as a Phase 2 IBank candidate; Centennial Park improvements and bollard/security costs were also discussed.
Wildwood Crest officials reported progress on multiple infrastructure priorities, including large flood-mitigation grant applications, two phases of New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (IBank) funding, and planned park upgrades.
Mayor and staff said the borough has two FEMA grant applications and related projects totaling multiple elements: bulkhead replacement, road work, piping upgrades and potential pump-station construction to consolidate outfall flow. Officials described estimates and grant award ranges in the meeting record with varying figures; the mayor summarized that project awards and the borough’s required 25% match would make the borough’s net expected share substantially smaller than total project costs but still material. Officials said they expected the federal/state awards to be finalized through normal grant review and that the U.S. Army Corps would discuss dune and shoreline issues at a virtual meeting scheduled for July 31.
On IBank funding, officials said the borough will receive $2 million in principal forgiveness for IBank Phase 1 and is eligible for up to $3 million for Phase 2. Staff proposed Park Boulevard (Cressey to Jefferson) as the Phase 2 priority because of roadway, traffic safety and sanitary sewer concerns, with the next steps including paperwork, ranking and design work.
Commissioners also discussed Centennial Park upgrades and bollard-style security measures (one contractor quote referenced in the meeting record was described as "upwards of almost $300,000"). Officials said they are seeking grant opportunities and aim to preserve the park's natural character while meeting security and event needs; projected construction timing for park upgrades was discussed for spring 2026 to be ready for the summer season.
Resident questions during public comment sought clarity about whether the town plans to eliminate outfall pipes; officials said the plan is to reduce multiple outfalls to a consolidated single outfall with a pump station but that site selection and design remain to be completed.
What happens next: borough staff will continue grant coordination with the Army Corps and state agencies, begin IBank Phase 2 paperwork as directed, and refine park design and procurement plans. Budgetary implications will depend on final award amounts and any required local match.
(Reporting note: multiple award figures were cited in the meeting record; exact grant awards and matching-share calculations were not finalized and should be verified in official grant documents.)
