Seaside Heights Borough is slated to receive $1,600,000 in federal funding secured by Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) for new boardwalk facilities aimed at boosting local businesses and accommodating the town’s growing economic development.

            The federal funds will go toward redeveloping the Sandy-demolished Hiering Avenue Bath House with amenities that are essential for beachgoers, including public restrooms, showers, lockers, changing rooms, a viewing deck that is accessible to disabled persons, and related storage.

            “Over the past decade, Seaside Heights has bounced back with tremendous strength and unbelievable resilience from the absolute devastation wrought by Superstorm Sandy and the subsequent South End Boardwalk Fire—but one glaring ruin, the Heiring Avenue Bath House, has yet to be rebuilt,” said Smith, who personally secured the funds for the project as one of his congressional earmarks that were signed into law on Saturday as part of a negotiated budget.

            “This is great news for Seaside Heights and even greater news for our visitors,” said Mayor Anthony Vaz. “The bath house building was destroyed during Superstorm Sandy and we haven't been able to fund a replacement structure. These funds are critical to moving forward with our post-Sandy and post-Boardwalk fire economic development!”

            “We appreciate Congressman Smith and his staff for working hard on our behalf,” Vaz added.

            “From the moment Seaside Heights was added to my congressional district, Mayor Anthony ‘Tony’ Vaz was a strong and prepared advocate for this project, and I thank him for his insights and drive to help make this a reality,” Smith said.

            “This revitalization project, which is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, will reinvigorate ocean front businesses and local merchants and provide greatly needed economic support to this classic American Boardwalk’s post-pandemic economic renaissance,” said Smith.

            Smith said the project has overwhelming local support, including from the Seaside Heights Business Improvement District—which represents all businesses within the community and is a partner for the project—as well as the Seaside Heights Property Owners Association and local, county, and state officials.

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