[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] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 (301) 763-8327. 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