[CTPP] Intercensal Pop Estimates; USDOT population-based funding allocations

To: CTPP-News This week the Census Bureau released their intercensal population estimates: county- and state-level estimates for 7/1/2006. press release: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/population/009756… pop estimates page: http://www.census.gov/popest/counties/ Our press picked this up, and focused somewhat on the discrepancies between our California State Government's population estimates, and the Census Bureau's estimates. The story is here: http://www.insidebayarea.com/search/ci_5503254 I was quoted in the paper, and made bold comments that the intercensal population estimates were NOT used in transportation funding formula. I needed to do some background research, because I was uncertain if intercensal population estimates are used in allocating USDOT funds. (From my discussions with staff, it's based on UZA population, lane-miles, bridge repair needs, VMT, etc.) My conclusions (hopefully correct), were that most (?) USDOT population formula programs are based on total population values at the urbanized area (UZA) level, not at county-level. And given that the Census Bureau's intercensal estimates are published only at the county and state level, and never (yet) at the UZA level, the USDOT funding allocations would necessarily be based on decennial (year 2000) population counts. So, my question to our Feds and other knowledgeable policy wonks is, are USDOT funds allocated based on intercensal population estimates, or not? (If some funds ARE allocated based on "current" population counts, from the Census pop estimates program, then I owe a call of apology to my city desk reporter....) Thanks in advance! Chuck Purvis ************************************************************** Charles L. Purvis, AICP Principal Transportation Planner/Analyst Metropolitan Transportation Commission 101 Eighth Street Oakland, CA 94607-4700 (510) 817-5755 (office) (510) 817-7848 (fax) cpurvis(a)mtc.ca.gov (e-mail) www: http://www.mtc.ca.gov/ **************************************************************