The Town of Friday Harbor has been awarded a $728,900 grant by the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board for reconstruction of Blair Street, from Park Street to Spring Street.

Added to $608,000 awarded in 2012 and a 10 percent matching contribution from the town, rebuilding the entirety of Blair Street, from Spring to Guard streets, is now funded.

“This is fabulous news” Mayor Carrie Lacher said. “The Blair Street project is at the top of our six-year transportation improvement program and will solve problems we have dealt with for a number of years. This second phase will give us a sidewalk on the south side of Blair, which will significantly improve pedestrian safety.”

The transportation board grant program is funded by 3 cents per gallon of the state’s fuel tax.

Together with a paving and sidewalk project already in progress on Mullis Street from Spring Street to Market Street, a total of $1,538,000 has been awarded to the town by the state transportation improvement board.

The Town intends to seek bids on the Blair Street project early in 2014 and expects construction to last through the summer.

The plan calls for construction in front of the high school and middle school during summer break.

For information, town Administrator Duncan Wilson, 360-378-2810, or duncanw@fridayharbor.org