Census Boosts Estimates

The U.S. Census Bureau has raised its estimates of the amount of people living in

Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard parishes in mid-2007 after local officials protested an earlier estimate.

The change should result in more federal funds flowing to the parishes, which were hit by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.

The largest percentage increase was in St. Bernard Parish, which saw its estimated population increase by 69% as of July 1, 2007. The estimated population of the parish went from an initial 19,826 to a new estimate of 33,439 residents. The revision should result in an additional $13 million a year of federal funds to the parish, officials said.

New Orleans saw a 20% increase in its estimated 2007 population, from 239,124 to a new estimate of 288,113. Mayor Ray Nagin said the city should receive an additional $45.6 million in federal money per year with the new estimate.

The new estimate for Jefferson Parish of 440,339, up from an initial 423,520, made it the largest parish in Louisiana at the time. Parish officials said the additional 17,000 residents would result in $18 million more a year in federal aid.

The estimate for East Baton Rouge Parish of 430,317 residents was not challenged by local officials.

Alexandria was the only Louisiana city that challenged its estimate. Census officials agreed to revise the estimate to 48,173 residents from the preliminary 45,857.

Federal aid and grants for education, homeless assistance, child care, elderly assistance, and law enforcement are based on population.

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