Personal income in Alaska drops 3.2 percent

ANCHORAGE - Alaska had the steepest recent fall of personal income of any state, according to a federal agency.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported personal income fell 3.2 percent during the first quarter of this year compared with the last three months last year.

The Alaska Permanent Fund dividend, which is paid toward the end of the year, was the biggest reason for the change. The state enhanced last year's record dividend of $2,069 with an extra $1,200 for energy relief to Alaskans.

The lack of such payments accounted for most of the decline in this year's first quarter.

The bureau said wage income actually grew by $200 million during the first quarter.