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Andrzejczak Introduces Bill to Promote Tourism in South Jersey’s Delaware Bayshore, Help Boost Region’s Economy

(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland) has introduced legislation that would require the state Department of Transportation (DOT) to create road signage to help promote tourism attractions in South Jersey’s Delaware Bayshore.

“There is plenty to explore in Southern New Jersey and The Delaware Bayshore does not disappoint,” said Andrzejczak. “The Delaware Bayshore is home to the A.J. Meerwald and the Delaware Bay Museum, and is known for its wetlands and diverse wildlife, including more than 300 bird species. Tourism is a thriving industry. Promoting these attractions with simple road signage not only shines the spotlight on this New Jersey gem, but can help boost the region’s economy.”

New Jersey’s Delaware Bayshore stretches along the southwestern coast of the state in Cape May and Cumberland counties, and is home to a wide variety of recreational activities, including the Schooner A.J. Meerwald and the Delaware Bay Museum & Folklife Center. The A.J. Meerwald, designated as New Jersey’s Official Tall Ship by Governor Whitman in 1998, was originally launched in 1928 as an oyster schooner but today is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers public sails, camps, and educational sails. The Delaware Bay Museum & Folklife Center allows visitors to explore the oyster industry with original artifacts and interactive activities for children and adults.

The bill (A-3796) requires the state DOT to include certain tourist-oriented facilities located in New Jersey’s Delaware Bayshore in the department’s Tourist Oriented Directional Sign Program (TODS). These facilities must include, but not be limited to, the A.J. Meerwald and the Delaware Bay Museum & Folklife Center. The TODS program provides for signs to be placed on certain roadways in the state identifying places that may interest tourists and providing directions to those places.

“New Jersey has many hidden gems that deserve to be discovered. The Delaware Bayshore is one of them,” said Andrzejczak. “With plenty of natural beauty, recreational attractions and eateries serving up fresh seafood recipes, it is a haven for tourists looking for a more rustic Jersey Shore experience. Having this informational signage can help us introduce more people to ‘the other shore.'”

The bill has been referred to the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee.