NORWICH – More than $7 million has been allocated to local communities to improve public housing as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, including $185,367 that will go directly to the Norwich Housing Authority.

Congressman Michael Arcuri (D-Utica) announced Wednesday the distribution of the $7 million to public housing authorities in the 24th Congressional District.

“Recovery funding for local housing authorities will increase and improve affordable housing for local families, and at the same time create construction jobs through new projects,” Arcuri said in a press release.

The Recovery Bill, administered by HUD, will provide nearly $3 billion to housing authorities nationwide, in an effort to create jobs, increase energy efficiency and create affordable housing.