In a statement, Shaun Donovan, US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, says the $423 million in funds will allow the New York City Housing Authority to "start creating jobs, conserving energy and ensuring safety for NYCHA residents." Of the $423 million in federal funds, the NYCHA will use nearly half, or $209 million, to make public housing more energy efficient.

For example, NYCHA plans to purchase and install approximately 56,000 Energy-Star rated refrigerators in 53 developments throughout the five boroughs, at a cost of $22 million and a savings of $1.4 million per year in energy costs. Other green renovations planned by the NYCHA will focus on roof and brick replacement and upgrades to heating, plumbing and electrical systems.

About $70 million in ARRA funds have been specifically earmarked for elevator replacements and upgrades, a total of 242 citywide. The single largest project covered by the stimulus funds will be the $87-million renovation and reconfiguration of 1,610 apartments in 19 of the 20 buildings at Brooklyn's Whitman-Ingersoll Houses, a housing complex built in 1944.