More Than $250M Is Being Invested in Atlantic City’s Infrastructure at ZERO Cost to Taxpayers

‍The City of Atlantic City is in the midst of one of the most significant infrastructure investment periods in its modern history, with more than $250 Million currently being spent or committed to projects that will reshape the city’s streets, shoreline, public spaces, and essential services for decades to come.

Of the quarter billion dollars being invested, more than $120 Million in capital projects are actively underway and directly managed by Atlantic City, while an additional $130 Million is being invested through coordinated efforts with local, state, and federal agencies. Together, these initiatives represent a comprehensive push to modernize infrastructure, strengthen flood protection, improve public safety, and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors.

Major roadway improvements are reshaping how people move through the city. More than $30 million is being invested in paving and upgrading key corridors, including Atlantic Avenue, Pacific Avenue, Baltic Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; along with high volume side streets like Tennessee Avenue, Ohio Avenue and New York Avenue. For the first time in Atlantic City history, traffic signals along Atlantic and Pacific Avenues are being synchronized to improve traffic flow, while Atlantic Avenue is receiving new pedestrian lighting, tree plantings, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements.

Resilience and flood mitigation projects account for another massive portion of the investment. Approximately $38 Million is being spent on bulkhead construction along the back bay to protect vulnerable neighborhoods such as Lower Chelsea, Chelsea Heights, Chelsea, and Ducktown. In the Midtown section, a new pump station on Atlantis Avenue is nearing completion and will reactivate the historic Baltic Avenue Canal, originally built in the early 1900s, to better manage stormwater during heavy rain events.

Another major component of the city’s commitment to rebuilding its infrastructure is the rehabilitation of Atlantic City’s most iconic asset: the Boardwalk. A $27 Million project is underway now, with two contractors working simultaneously to reconstruct the Boardwalk from New Jersey Avenue to Tennessee Avenue. A third segment, spanning Columbia Place to Arkansas Avenue, was recently completed. The work ensures the nearly century-and-a-half-old structure remains safe, resilient, and capable of supporting the tourism economy.

Preserving Atlantic City’s historic character has not been overlooked. More than $4.5 Million in grant funding has been secured to restore key historic structures, including the city’s 97-year-old firehouse at Indiana and Baltic Avenues, which is currently undergoing restoration. Additional funding has been awarded to rehabilitate the city-owned West Pavilion at Kennedy Plaza, located on the Boardwalk.

Public spaces and parks have been another priority. Working in partnership with local nonprofit organizations, the city has completed more than $15 Million in park improvements at Pop Lloyd Field, Altman Park, Gardner’s Basin Park, Uptown Park, City Hall Plaza, Weekes Memorial Park and Fisherman’s Park. Construction is currently underway at Edith Donaldson Playground, with upgrades to Dolphin Field and Pallitto Field planned to start soon.

Urban greening and pedestrian safety are receiving targeted investments as well. An additional $1.5 Million has been secured for tree planting along major corridors. A separate $684,708 New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) grant will fund a new pedestrian walkway connecting Atlantic City High School with the Chelsea Heights neighborhood, improving safety for students and residents.

Beyond city-managed projects, regional agencies are making major investments that further strengthen Atlantic City’s infrastructure. The Atlantic City Municipal Utilities Authority has invested more than $40 Million in water system upgrades, including lead service line replacement, distribution system improvements, and enhanced security.

Behind the scenes, the city’s engineering and professional staff are coordinating the complex portfolio of projects. The City of Atlantic City Engineer’s Office leads the effort, holding biweekly coordination meetings with state officials and senior city staff to troubleshoot issues and keep projects on schedule. Grant funding for many of these initiatives was secured with assistance from Rutala Associates.

Together, these investments reflect a coordinated, multi-level effort to protect Atlantic City from flooding, modernize aging infrastructure, preserve historic assets, and position the city for sustainable growth. This all underscores a renewed commitment to the city’s future at every level of government.

^{Great Day Atlantic City is breaking down the key categories in Mayor Marty Small's 2026 State of the City over a series of articles, taking an in-depth look at his announcements and outlook of Atlantic City's future.}

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE 2026 STATE OF THE CITY COVERAGE

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