Economic forecaster predicts 2011 recovery for Ga.

ATLANTA - A Georgia economist predicts the region will have to wait until 2011 for a real recovery that includes job growth.

In Wednesday's forecast for Georgia and Atlanta, Georgia State University economist Rajeev Dhawan estimates job losses will total 205,000 through 2009 statewide. Next year, he believes Georgians will lose about 43,800 jobs, as construction opportunities remain weak and the state recovers from bank failures.

In 2011, he estimates the economy will add 60,000 Georgia jobs.
Dhawan heads the Georgia State Economic Forecasting Center. The center says Georgia's loss of 6.1 percent of its employment base reflects a more severe employment drop than what's been experienced nationally.