Downtown Langley will expand its parking soon, thanks to a federal grant and the cooperation of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church.

An additional 50 public off-street parking places will be provided on the church’s property at Sixth Street and Cascade Avenue.

Using a $415,000 federal grant approved in 2005 and just recently funded, the city will pay for paving, landscaping, lighting and an upgrade of the area’s stormwater system, said Challis Stringer, Langley public works director.

“Parking has been a major concern for Langley,” Stringer said. “It’s great the church is willing to be a part of it.”

She said the project is in the design phase. Earlier this month, Cane Engineering of Oak Harbor was hired by the city council to develop preliminary plans and a cost estimate.

Bids are expected to be called for in April, with completion of the project next summer, Stringer said.

The new public parking will connect to Island Transit’s route through Langley, and to the Cascade Avenue walkway to downtown and the Langley Marina. It will provide parking for commuters, visitors and employees of local businesses.