Wildwood Crest Fishing Pier Expansion Approved with 2.5 Million in County Funding

Wildwood Crest Fishing Pier Expansion Approved with 2.5 Million in County Funding

We are finally getting a bigger fishing pier in Wildwood Crest! The Cape May County Board of Commissioners has just approved a major funding commitment to support the long planned replacement and expansion of the Heather Road Fishing Pier in Wildwood Crest.

At the December 16 Commissioners meeting, the Board approved Resolution 676 25 authorizing a Shared Services Agreement with the Borough of Wildwood Crest for the Heather Road Fishing Pier Replacement and Expansion Project.

The total estimated cost of the project is 7.37 million dollars, with the County contributing up to 2.5 million dollars through the Cape May County Open Space Program.

A Pier Restored to the Ocean

The project will fully reconstruct and significantly extend the existing Heather Road Fishing Pier, which over time has become landlocked due to sand accretion and no longer reaches the Atlantic Ocean.

The redesigned pier will extend approximately 1,250 feet into the ocean, restoring its function as a true fishing pier while also serving as a sightseeing and recreational destination.

Located along the Wildwood Crest Promenade near Scoop Taylor Park, the pier has long been a popular community gathering spot. Local officials say the project responds to years of public input calling for restored fishing access and improved waterfront connectivity.

Expanded Design and Modern Amenities

According to the approved application, the reconstructed pier will be widened to 12 feet and elevated to accommodate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dune system as well as emergency public safety vehicles. The structure will be fully ADA compliant, improving accessibility for all visitors.

A widened terminal bump out area will provide additional space for fishing and sightseeing while helping separate fishing activity from pedestrian traffic. Planned upgrades include new decking, lighting, benches, water stations, interpretive signage, and other public amenities designed to improve durability and the overall visitor experience.

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Environmental reviews completed as part of the application indicate the project will not adversely impact protected coastal habitats or wildlife. Construction will follow strict dune protection requirements set by state and federal agencies.

County Leaders Highlight Regional Impact

Commission Director Len Desiderio said the project exemplifies the mission of the County Open Space Program.

“This is exactly the type of project the Cape May County Open Space Program was created to support,” Desiderio said. “The Heather Road Fishing Pier will once again serve residents and visitors as a true recreational fishing and sightseeing destination while improving accessibility, safety, and resilience along our coastline. This investment shows the Board’s commitment to enhancing recreation, promoting tourism, and improving quality of life throughout Cape May County.”

Commissioner Bobby Barr, the Board’s liaison to the Cape May County Open Space Board, emphasized that the pier serves more than just the immediate community.

“This pier is more than a local improvement. It is a regional asset,” Barr said. “By restoring fishing access, improving ADA compliance, investing in long lasting infrastructure, and preserving the natural history of recreational fishing in our area, the County is helping ensure the pier remains accessible and attractive for decades to come.”

Funding and Timeline

In addition to the County Open Space contribution, the project is funded through a New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Boardwalk Preservation Fund grant and local matching funds from the Borough of Wildwood Crest. The County contribution represents the maximum allowable share under Open Space Program guidelines.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 pending final state permitting, with completion targeted for summer 2026. The project was designed by DeBlasio and Associates of Wildwood New Jersey.

Once complete, the Heather Road Fishing Pier is expected to once again extend into the Atlantic Ocean, restoring a long missed piece of Wildwood Crest’s oceanfront and strengthening the borough’s recreational and tourism offerings for years to come.