TPM: High Response Saves 2010 Census $1.6B in Costs

[flpoljunkie]

High response saves 2010 census $1.6B in costs

Government says 2010 census to cost $1.6B less than expected due to strong public response

HOPE YEN
AP News

Aug 10, 2010 06:09 EDT

With the 2010 census nearly finished, the government said Tuesday it will save $1.6 billion in the cost of the U.S. population count because of strong public response and no major problems.

The cost of the census was originally budgeted at $14.7 billion, with emergency dollars set aside for additional outreach in cases such as a natural disaster, a flu epidemic or a major operational breakdown.

Because such problems were not extensive, the Census Bureau saved money, officials said. The agency, which is a part of the Commerce Department, also reduced costs due to a higher-than-expected mail response rate of 72 percent, as well as quick field work from census takers who visited homes of people who did not reply by mail.

The Census Bureau said it was still conducting checks on the accuracy of its data, which will be used to distribute House seats and more than $400 billion in federal aid. Results will be released beginning in late December.

more...

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/news/2010/08/high_response_saves_2010_census_16b_in_costs.php?ref=fpa

[nykym]

1. Hurray!

Finally something done under budget!