Retrofitting decorative lighting in downtown Arlington Heights so the fixtures use light-emitting diode bulbs is in the village's plans for federal stimulus money.

Only projects that promote energy efficiency are eligible for these funds.

Retrofitting the 68 fixtures on the north side of the railroad tracks and 156 fixtures on the south side of the tracks will save the village $6,100 annually - more than half the yearly electricity bill for the lights.

A contractor will be hired to install the new fixtures on the north side, and city staff will do the south side lights. This project is expected to cost $460,000 of the $714,100 that has been set aside for Arlington Heights under the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant. The village will forego installing solar panels on the public works building, which had been expected to cost $300,000.