[CTPP] Why Embargo?

As a 15-year veteran of the State Data Center Affiliate program here in Pensylvania, I have some experience with these issues. Embargoed data were, at one time, issued to the media and State Data Centers for their respective uses prior to the general 'public' releases. It was up to the State Data Centers to then issue the data to their affiliates. Here in Pennsylvania, we (SDC Affiliates) used to have access to all embargoed information. Unfortunately, throughout the nation and prior to Census 2000, some states and many affiliates routinely broke the embargoes. The Census Bureau has never had a sense of humor about this and, subsequently, revoked embargo rights to many state agencies and non-press people. This has resulted in the situation many of us are facing this afternoon. Since Census 2000, State Data Centers have been given rights to embargoed data, but it is up to individual Data Centers as to whether they will release the data to their affiliate agencies. I know that, in New Jersey, those affiliates have access; here in PA, we do not. If you're not familiar with the State Data Center program in your state, the Census Bureau website has information and links. Any Bureau comments? Michael D. Golembiewski Transportation Modeler BERKS COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION BERKS COUNTY SERVICES CENTER 633 COURT STREET FL 14 READING PA 19601-4309 ph: 610-478-6300 fax: 610-478-6316