The Dublin Chamber urges residents to complete the 2010 U.S. Census, which will be mailed to all households in March. The simple 10-question form collects vital data that will make a huge difference to the Dublin community.

Data gathered with the Census is used to set House of Representative district boundaries, allocate trillions of dollars in federal funding, and plan everything from economic development strategies to social programs. In addition, census data helps determine distribution of an estimated $4 trillion in federal funds for roads and public works projects, emergency services, hospitals, senior centers, schools, job training centers and other important services.

The forms must be completed and returned by April 1. Between May and July, census bureau workers will visit residences that have not returned the forms and attempt to gather the data for the 10 questions.

The U.S. Constitution requires that the federal government count every resident in the United States and Puerto Rico every 10 years in a national census. All data collected is protected under federal law. This count includes non-citizens living in this country.

For additional details on the 2010 Census, including a look at the 2010 form, visit www.census.gov.