WASHINGTON, D.C. – United States Congressman Michael A. Arcuri, Wednesday, announced over $5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding to assist 14 upstate New York communities – including the City of Norwich – to become more energy efficient.

Arcuri, in a March 24 press release, reported that the funding will save upstate communities an estimated $337,619 annually, and that these energy efficient projects will create jobs, reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.

“Investing in energy efficient projects will not only create jobs but also help communities across upstate New York reduce energy consumption, cut costs and ultimately lower the burden on local taxpayers,” said Arcuri, who represents New York’s twenty-fourth district. “This is another example of the recovery bill addressing the needs of small communities throughout our region while at the same time putting people back to work.”

According to the project description, which was based on the Norwich’s small commercial energy audit program, the city will receive $43,820 in ARRA funds, $31,320 of that will be utilized in the upgrading of lighting fixtures, lamps, exit lights and exterior lights in a number of outdated facilities. That includes the offices in City Hall and City Court, the Fire Department, Police Department, Water Filter Plant and Department of Public Works.