Hard work and perseverance has paid off for Langley Police as the department has been awarded a $15,000 state grant.

Chief Randy Heston said the money was secured through the Regional Transportation Planning Organization and will be used to purchase at least two new solar powered radar/speed signs.

Heston tried earlier this year to secure grant funding for the signs from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission but the program proved too competitive and he was turned down.

Unwilling to give up, Heston worked with other city officials to put together another grant package for traffic safety funding available through the RTPO and this time his efforts met with success.

“I’ve been working hard all year to improve things and it’s finally paying off,” Heston said.

There are several areas in town where people often speed and Heston is eager to purchase the signs and put them to work. Semi-movable, locations being considered include the school zone on Camano Avenue, Third Street, Saratoga Road and Sixth Street.

Each sign costs about $5,500 and Heston is hoping to work to drum up a few extra dollars or broker a deal with the manufacturer to secure a third unit.

The RTPO pot had about $70,000 available and Coupeville and the Port of South Whidbey also were awarded grant funding.