Census looks to get accurate count of Nevadans

Bureau officials said the nearly 29,000 Nevadans who weren't counted in the last census in 1990 have cost the state an estimated $200 million in federal funds.

Every Nevadan not counted in the census means an estimated loss of $670 per year in federal funds, or a total of $6,700 over the 10-year period until the next census.

"If we miss one family of four, that's a loss of $26,800 a year," said David Byerman, the bureau's chief government liaison for Nevada.

The census is the basis the federal government uses to determine funding for everything from highways to schools.

When the 2000 Census begins with a mailing next March, Nevada's population increase is expected to net the state a third seat in the House of Representatives.

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