Plans to repair and repave the roads and sidewalks in the center of Marion just got a major boost – a $1 million boost to be exact.

Earlier this month, the town was named as one of the 26 recipients of a $1 million grant from the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, a state program that provides support to towns for the purpose of making infrastructure improvements.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson said that the town applied for the grant earlier this year.

Dawson said he was pleased that Marion received the grant.

He added that he is hopeful that the grant will help kick start repairs on South Street and Ryder Lane in the Village.

“We’re very excited,” Dawson said. “It’s a huge help in the overall road improvement project.”

The overall cost of renovating the roads and sidewalks in the Village is not yet known.

Dawson said the town officials are working with engineers to determine a timeline for the project.

The town is ultimately aiming to repair and repave all of the roads and sidewalks in the center of town, Dawson said.

He added that this would have to be done over a long period of time and in phases to give the town enough time to finance the project and apply for additional grants.

“It’ll take a few years,” Dawson said.

As for repairs on South Street and Ryder Lane, Dawson said that there would be an article to go before the May Town Meeting to approve additional funds for the project.

Dawson added that officials are aiming to begin the repairs in fall of 2013, but that no start date can be determined until all the engineering studies have been completed.