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Census numbers show marked growth for Tri-Cities




(7/01/2009) By Jeniffer Berry - Hastings, Grand Island, and Kearney all saw population growth in 2008. That is according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The numbers were just released Wednesday.

The official count is actually 9 months away to the day.

The data collected April 1st will be the basis for the city planning for the next 10 years.

Grand Island officials want to make sure it is right. That is why Wednesday they are comparing the city estimates to the census.

The City if Grand Island is growing. That is a fact. They have added 1400 housing units since 2000.

But how much it is growing, depends on who you talk to.

"Based on the number I have, I would say we have a higher population than the census does," said Grand Island Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity.

Based on a vacancy rate of 3.35% and 2.5 people per household, Chad Nabity said Grand Island is about 47,300 strong. The U.S. Census Bureau said it is 45,800.

"I think we are 1400 to 800 different depending on how you figure it," said Nabity.

Normally, Nabity said it would not be that big a deal, but come 2010 that variation could be crucial in the city securing block grant funds worth thousands of dollars.

"When we are that close, a thousand people could be the difference between making 50,000 or not," Nabity said.

Either way the city will have a 10 percent growth in population in 10 years. It is an increase that matters when it comes to city planning for new roads, more homes and incoming classes.

"We are in growth mode, so we anticipate more families and more children come this fall," said GIPS Superintendent Dr. Steve Joel.

More children could mean more state aid, but it also means more challenges when it comes to space at Grand Island Public Schools.

"We are under the gun for facilities, we do not have any extra money," said Dr. Joel.

The district is even starting to ask parents if they are willing to send their kids to another school where there is a smaller teacher/student ratio.

But despite space issues, the superintendent said growth is good.

"You know, where there is challenge, we always believe there is opportunity, and there are a lot of opportunities in the near future we are going to be able to capitalize on," said Dr. Joel.

GIPS is looking at starting a vocational education program to help alleviate crowding issues.

As for Hastings, the 2008 census estimates show the city has 25,394 people. That is almost a 6 percent increase since 2000.

Kearney is up about 11 percent at 30,400.

If you want to see where your city stands, visit http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/SUB-EST2008.html

Attached Files: 701census.jpg 


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