VALLEY — The U.S. Census Bureau is looking to hire 273 people in Chambers County. These jobs will pay $14 and hour and 58 cents per mile. Alabama is in danger of losing representation in the next reapportionment cycle, and state officials are urging local areas to have the best census count possible next year.

“It’s important to get these people hired as soon as possible,” Planning and Development Director Travis Carter told the Valley City Council Monday evening. “There’s a training period they have to go through prior to the start of the census. A lot of folks will actually start working this fall. These are good-paying jobs, they pay mileage and the hours are flexible.”

Alabama is at risk of losing a congressman in 2020 due to projected slow growth compared to other states.

“It’s estimated that the amount of federal money coming into Alabama is $1,600 for every person counted,” Carter said. “Some of the programs that are supported by this money benefit children, education, hospitals, health care and rural development.”

Carter said the information gathered is confidential.

“The census is safe,” he said. “Any information gathered through it can get someone fined $250,000 and five years in jail if it’s used improperly.”

Anyone interested in working for the U.S. Census can go online at 2020census.gov/jobs or call 1-855-JOB-2020.