Some cities show construction increase

BOISE (AP) - New labor figures show a slight increase in the number of construction, mining and logging jobs in the state between February 2012 and February 2013.

Statewide, those industries reported a 2 percent increase in new jobs.

The Idaho Statesman reports the Boise-Nampa area topped the statewide average, with 400 new jobs - or a 3 percent increase - during the period.

Idaho Falls was the only other metropolitan market reporting new industry jobs, with about 200 during the 12-month period. Lewiston's job market was unchanged, but Coeur d'Alene reported a 6 percent decline and Pocatello had an 8 percent drop.

Nationwide, new construction jobs increased in 159 of 339 total metropolitan areas.