The Salt Lake Valley's two oldest public housing facilities will get a slew of 21st century upgrades thanks to a $2.5 million federal stimulus grant awarded to the agencies that run them.

The Senior Citizens High Rise and City Plaza, both located near the Salt Lake County Government Center, were constructed in 1975 in a joint effort between the Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County housing authorities to provide safe, affordable housing for almost 300 low-income seniors.

Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker said the project is a testament to stimulus dollars being put to good use.

"When you hear people talk about stimulus money not going to worthy projects, this is an example to the contrary," he said. "With this grant, the city and county housing authorities are going to be able to make some very substantial improvements."

Those improvements include upgraded culinary water systems, and energy-efficient toilets, shower heads, windows and sliding glass doors. The changes will cut down on water use and garner savings in heating and cooling the two buildings.

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon said the federal money will be put to work on two issues very much on the radar of his and Becker's administration.

"This great collaboration represents some of the initiatives that Salt Lake County and Salt Lake City have been focusing on," Corroon said. "One, improving housing and housing for our seniors and two, our environmental initiatives."

Salt Lake City Housing Authority director Bill Nighswonger said work is already under way on the upgrades, and contracts for initial work could be awarded in the next two months. The project is expected to take about two years to complete.

e-mail: araymond@desnews.com