And she assures her neighbors of the confidentiality of the document. Records remain sealed for 72 years. Only then can the data be accessed, perhaps by those who wish to research family history. The Isle Brevelle community of about 300 residents is already rich in history, with its beginnings traced to the late 1700s. All communities, regardless of size, are affected by the Census count, according to Cary Casey, area manager in the Dallas regional office.
Government programs are only a part of it.
According to Census documents, the counts are used to distribute government funds to communities and states for highways, schools, health facilities and many other programs. Without a fair count, communities may not receive their fair share. Eugene Washington, mayor of the predominantly African-American village of South Mansfield, knows what it is like to vie against larger municipalities for government funds. The village s relatively small tax base causes officials to struggle to locate funds for improvement projects. Washington routinely applies for state and federal grants.