Associated Press - October 30, 2009 2:05 PM ET
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - The number of jobs and total payroll in Wyoming fell for the first time in 21 years during the first quarter compared to the same period last year.
State economist David Bullard in the Wyoming Department of Employment said Friday that the end of pipeline projects and slow tourism in Jackson Hole are two reasons Wyoming shed about 3,000 jobs over the yearlong period.
Payroll in the state declined by about $36 million. Meanwhile, employment was down in 14 of the state's 23 counties.
Hardest hit were Carbon and Lincoln counties, which together lost nearly 1,800 jobs - including many jobs involving new pipelines and other gas-related construction. Teton County lost more than 1,100 jobs, including about 500 jobs in lodging and food service.
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