Spring construction projects kicking into gear and manufacturers recalling laid off workers were credited for Mercer County's jobless rate dropping a full percentage point in April.

The county's unemployment rate for the month was 4.9 percent compared to 5.9 percent in March. In April 2001 the county's jobless rate stood at 5 percent.

Pennsylvania's jobless rate for April was 5 percent while the national average was 5.7 percent.

Mercer County ranked 11th, tied with Philadelphia, among the states 43 metropolitan areas in terms of the lowest unemployment rate and was 25th among the state's 67 counties.

Figures for April show the county's civilian labor force expanded by 500 from March to 57,800 but over the year the labor force has declined by 800. The number of county residents working jumped by 1,000 from March to April and now stands at 54,900.

Those unemployed fell 600 to 2,800.

Goods producers boosted employment rolls by 300 and service producers added 500 jobs. Retail trade and services accounted for 80 percent of the monthly increase among service producers as seasonal businesses such as restaurants, recreational and landscaping services reopened or hired additional staff.

Average weekly earnings of production workers was $616.14 in April, a $12.48 drop from March mainly due to the average workweek falling below 40 hours.

Surrounding county's jobless rates were: