5/3/2007 - Jackson, Miss.

The Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Office of Policy Research and Planning recently released the April 2007 edition of Mississippi’s Business, a newsletter providing analysis related to the state’s economy.

According to the Index of Coincident Indicators from September 2006 to February 2007, Mississippi’s economy grew 2.7 percent over the same period a year ago, which represents the strongest growth since the early 1990s due in large part to Katrina rebuilding efforts.  For example, 45 percent of all jobs created in the state over the last year were in Harrison County.

"The state’s economy appears to be growing at a relatively strong pace. However, the vast majority of the growth is Katrina rebuilding.  Without this rebuilding, the state’s economy would be very weak,” said Dr. Darrin Webb, senior economist with the IHL Office of Policy Research and Planning.

The national economy continues to slow because of the sluggish housing market and slow growth of the U.S. manufacturing industry.  The outlook for the remainder of 2007 is continued modest growth with gradual improvement in the housing industry.

For more information on the economic forecast, read Mississippi's Business online or contact senior economist Dr. Darrin Webb at (601) 432-6556.

Under the leadership of the Board of Trustees, IHL governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

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