This map shows response rates of the 2020 U.S. Census for New York State. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about half of Chenango County has filled out a survey form, putting the county at risk of losing federal representation and funding.

CHENANGO COUNTY – Local officials are warning that federal funding will be jeopardized if more Chenango County households don't fill out the 2020 U.S. Census.

Chenango County reflects a statewide trend of slow returns for the once-a-decade survey, prompting area officials to take extra measures to encourage local residents to participate.

To date, only 53 percent of county households have filled out the Census form (compared to the 58 percent that completed it in 2010). That's simply not enough to be accurately counted for congressional representation, local officials say, and it's likely to disrupt federal funding streams for the next 10 years.

“We need an accurate count to make sure we're getting our fair share of grant money from the federal government,” said Chenango County Planning Director Shane Butler. “It's also about grant applications at the sheriff's office, our police departments, health care facilities – all those places receive grant funding based on census numbers.”

A muted response negatively impacts multiple projects and human service programs that county residents rely on, including Medicare and Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Head Start, housing assistance, school meals, public transportation, highway repairs, financial aid for college students, and community development block grants.