NORWICH – Mayor Joe Maiurano this week announced the near-completion of the Renew Norwich website, part of $5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds aimed at energy efficiency in New York state.

In March, United States Congressman Michael Arcuri reported the funding would save upstate communities an estimated $337,619 annually.

The city was awarded $43,820 in ARRA funds, with approximately $12,500 of that utilized in the development of a prioritized list of local energy saving opportunities and the launching of the new website, www.renewnorwich.org. The balance of the remaining $12,500 will be used to update the site for the next handful of years.

The other $31,320 in grant money will be used in upgrades of lighting fixtures, exit lights, lamps and exterior lighting in several outdated facilities. City Hall, City Court, the Fire and Police Departments, the Water Filter Plant and the Department of Public Works are all on the list to receive the energy efficient upgrades.