CAMDEN, N.J. (WPVI) — The Battleship New Jersey, a historic landmark along Camden’s waterfront and the most decorated battleship in U.S. history, is set to undergo significant improvements as part of a $24.5 million redevelopment project aimed at expanding visitor access and enhancing the site.<\/p>\n
“What a great day this is for the USS New Jersey!” said Tom Riley, chair of the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial.<\/p>\n
State officials said the investment marks a major milestone for the vessel, which was launched in 1942 and now operates as a museum and memorial.<\/p>\n
“This investment today in this battleship stands as the single largest investment at any time in the history since the state has taken on this role,” said Assemblyman Louis Greenwald.<\/p>\n
The funding will support several projects at the site.<\/p>\n
Six million dollars will be used for improvements aboard the ship, while $5.5 million will fund construction of a parking structure. Another $9.5 million will go toward building a visitor center on the land side of the property.<\/p>\n
The ship remains a significant destination for visitors interested in military and presidential history.<\/p>\n
“This is the captain’s cabin,” said curator Ryan Szimanski as he gave a tour of the historic ship. “President Ronald Regan was in here. We had the entertainer Bob Hope on a couple of times.”<\/p>\n
Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial CEO Marshall Spevak spoke to the significance of the aware, $19.8 million of which comes from tax credits awarded through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion program.<\/p>\n
“This award is transformational,” Spevak said.<\/p>\n
More than two million people have visited the Battleship New Jersey since the museum and memorial opened in 2001.<\/p>\n
Officials noted that securing the ship’s permanent location in Camden was a challenge. Greenwald recalled competing efforts to bring the vessel elsewhere.<\/p>\n
“Our friends on the northern part of this state wanted this on the New York border,” Greenwald said.<\/p>\n
He said bringing the battleship to Camden was important because of its ties to the region.<\/p>\n
“The people who worked to build this battleship across the river came from Camden and South Jersey,” Greenwald said.<\/p>\n
Local leaders compared the ship’s history, including periods of disrepair, to Camden’s own efforts at revitalization.<\/p>\n
“Camden city is on the verge of revitalization and greatness,” said Camden County Commissioner Jeff Nash.<\/p>\n
Officials said the upgrades are expected to help the battleship attract more visitors, expand educational opportunities and generate additional revenue.<\/p>\n
Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen praised the investment in the vessel.<\/p>\n
“This battleship is our treasure; and, our treasure, she deserves this,” Carstarphen said.<\/p>\n
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2027 and be completed in 2029.<\/p>\n
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