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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Unemployment numbers in the City of Bridges have seen a significant drop.

Between April and May, unemployment decreased from 9.4% to 8.5%. At this time last year unemployment was at 7.7%.

In Wapello County, unemployment saw another significant decease from 9.1% to 8.2%. The May 2009 unemployment number was 7.4%.

The Iowa unemployment numbers remain much lower, 6.8% currently, 6.9% a month ago, and 5.8% one year ago.

Roger Jones, a consultant for the Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation said things should continue to improve in Ottumwa, particularly near the airport.

“The improvements that were made up there combined with the locational attributes we have here in Ottumwa and Wapello Count, I think suddenly there will be greatly increased interest in companies coming to Ottumwa.”

The Ottumwa Airport received a $1.5 million grant which helped preserve 205 existing jobs.

Jones said there are two main factors for the large drop in unemployment, more jobs and a smaller workforce.

“It looks good. We have two things in our favor, both our workforce has gone down and we have also picked up 100 or more jobs no matter which figure you look at and Wapello county has picked up 200 or more jobs and that’s quite good,” Jones said.

You can click here for the latest Ottumwa Trends report.