Port of Coupeville is set to receive $180,000 in rural economic development funds to replace its aging fuel lines, a project port officials say is vital.

After presenting an application to the Counsel of Governments in late November, the board supported the full grant request.

A recommendation for approval is now in the hands of Island County Commissioners.

The project entails replacing the current singlewalled metal fuel lines with flexible double-walled fuel lines with a protective cover and leak monitoring.

Port Commissioner Marshal Bronson said the current fuel lines aren’t up to code with current standards and need to be replaced.

The port is just finishing up final repairs to the fuel float replacement project, which was also partially funded with grant funds.

Assistant Port Director Tim McDonald said the port will most likely go to bid in the third quarter of 2015 and installation will happen in the last half of the year.

The $180,000 request is based on an estimate of what the project will cost.

If bids come in over that estimate, the port will have to cover the difference, McDonald said.

Once the county and port complete an interlocal agreement, the port should begin permit applications.