The U.S. Census is coming for the 180th time. Once every 10 years, the United States puts on a full-blown effort to count every single Ameri-can. This will be the first time since 1990 we have a chance to be counted.

But why should we bother? The answer is primarily related to dollars that will be directed to our community.

The federal government uses the census to distribute more than $100 billion. The state of Colorado also uses Census Bureau figures to spread money around.

"For every individual not counted, you lose $2,000 per person," said John Ribal, a local census manager.

It is estimated that in 1990, Montezuma County had an undercount of 500. That means that since 1990, we have lost $1 million per year in state and federal funding for everything from school and road improvements to 911 emergency services and hospital improvements.

Colorado Lottery funds are also distributed based on census numbers, along with numerous other state funds.

Specifically, some of the federal programs that use census data to make allocations include Head Start; Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program; transit capital and operating assistance; water and waste-disposal systems for rural communities; business and industrial loans; Cooperative Extension Service; Community Facilities loans; Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations; Em-powerment Zones; Emergency Food and Shelter Program; Native American employment and training programs; Housing for Persons with Disabilities; rural development grants; state planning and research.

A second compelling reason to make sure our county is properly counted is that population figures factor into Montezuma County’s representation in the General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. Colorado is very close to receiving another seat in the House of Representatives; our numbers will contribute to that decision.

Finally, most businesses use census data to make location decisions. As Montezuma County continues the search for appropriate businesses to provide the community with meaningful jobs and useful services, census data will help.

However, many people have concerns about the census, including issues of privacy.

By law the Census Bureau cannot give your answers to any business or government agency — and that includes the IRS, FBI, and Immigration and Naturalization Services. Census workers are sworn to secrecy and face a $5,000 fine and five-year prison sentence if that confidence is broken.

People who live in the unincorporated areas of the county may believe that the dollars never reach them. But development in Cortez and other parts of the county affects us all. For example, we all benefit from improved highways, 911 services, and better funding for schools.

We all pay taxes. This is one of our few chances to bring some of those dollars back to Montezuma County.

Depending on your address, you will receive the U.S. Census form either by mail or hand delivery. It must be completed and returned.