Economist predicts somewhat better times in Montana

HELENA - Montana's economy will improve a little this year before settling into a more traditional growth rate through 2007, a leading economist predicted today.

In the annual economic preview by the Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research, director Paul Polzin said the state can expect a slight surge in nonfarm income, from a 2.3 percent increase last year to 3 percent in 2004. Then, growth will recede to about 2 percent annually for the next three years, he said.

The estimates are about half a percent higher than those made by the bureau a year ago, he noted.

But, he also warned...