96-30179. American Community Survey

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 229 (Tuesday, November 26, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 60090]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-30179]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of the Census
[Docket No. 961107314-6314-01]
RIN 0607-XX24


American Community Survey

AGENCY: Bureau of the Census, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of determination.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with Title 13, United States Code, Sections 182 
and 225, I have determined that data from the American Community Survey 
are needed to evaluate a design to collect timely data for small areas 
and small subpopulations on a continual basis rather than every ten 
years. Government agencies use these data to distribute funding for 
various programs. The American Community Survey will also provide data 
for agencies to evaluate the performance of programs. The general 
public uses the data to examine information like housing quality, 
commuting patterns, and regional age distributions for planning 
purposes. These data are not publicly available from nongovernment or 
other governmental sources.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lawrence S. McGinn, Assistant Division 
Chief for Continuous Measurement, Demographic Statistical Methods 
Division, on [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Census Bureau is authorized to conduct 
surveys necessary to furnish current data on subjects covered by the 
major census authorized by Title 13, United States Code. The data from 
this survey will determine the feasibility of a continuous measurement 
system that provides socioeconomic data on a continual basis throughout 
the decade for small areas and small subpopulations. Currently, the 
decennial census is the only source of data available for small area 
levels and, therefore, these data are collected only once every ten 
years. A continuous measurement system also would provide a mechanism 
for identifying and sampling subpopulation groups for future surveys 
which will be of great benefit to the Federal Statistical System and 
provide data needed by other agencies.
    This survey will be a full-scale implementation of continuous 
measurement in eight test sites. The survey will also include a 
national sample to test and evaluate questionnaire designs. We will 
also test follow-up for nonresponse cases for which we have a telephone 
number. The data collected in this survey will be within the general 
scope and nature of those inquiries covered in the decennial census 
every ten years.
    The Census Bureau will select the housing units for the survey from 
a sample of eight sites selected to test full continuous measurement 
operations and a sample from designated areas around the country to 
obtain mail response rates. The Bureau will mail questionnaires to the 
households covered by this survey and require the submission as soon as 
possible after receipt. Participation of the selected households will 
be mandatory in accordance with the provisions of Title 13, United 
States Code.
    This survey was approved by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) for public use under OMB control number 0607-0810 in accordance 
with the Paperwork Reduction Act, Public Law 104-13. We will provide 
copies of the forms upon written request to the Director, Bureau of the 
Census, Washington, D.C. 20233.
    Based upon the foregoing, I have directed that the American 
Community Survey be conducted for the purpose of collecting these data 
for evaluation of the procedures related to a continuous measurement 
operation.

    Dated: November 13, 1996.
Martha Farnsworth Riche,
Director, Bureau of the Census.
[FR Doc. 96-30179 Filed 11-25-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P