Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
WEST JORDAN, Utah (AP) -- The city is preparing to celebrate a population milestone. The government, however, says it may be too soon for fireworks.
The U.S. Census Bureau believes West Jordan still has a few years to go before it reaches 100,000, said the state's chief demographer, Robert Spendlove.
The Salt Lake City suburb estimates it had 98,000 people in October. A Census Bureau estimate in July 2005 put the population at 91,444, fourth behind Salt Lake City, Provo and West Valley City.
"We're confident that the numbers we're using are accurate. ... West Jordan is a hot commodity in the state right now," Councilman Rob Bennett said.
The City Council will spend $50,000 to celebrate throughout 2007. The events include honoring a symbolic 100,000th newborn at Jordan Valley Hospital, outdoor movies and a fireworks display.
A population of 100,000 means West Jordan would qualify for additional state and federal aid.
The state uses census figures to make that determination. Bennett said the city will formally challenge federal counters, if necessary.
------
Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
