Alaska Forecast: 1996-97 Slow Job Growth to Continue

Alaska's economy will continue to grow slowly during 1996 and 1997, extending an eight-year string of job gains for two additional years. The industries critical to job growth during this period are hard rock mining, services, trade, and the visitor sector. Slower projected job growth in services and trade is a key factor in the outlook for sluggish job growth. On the down side, Alaska's public sector, segments of the oil and gas industry, and the manufacturing sector will contract, offsetting job gains in other industries. In spite of the negative factors, positive influences on the economy will tip the balance toward job increases. However, the result will be meager overall job growth that falls under the 1.0 percent mark.