Ore. economists say Intel plan will help, a little

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Intel Corp.'s plan to expand its Oregon operations is a shot of good news for the state on the jobs front. But economists say it also shows how far the state has to go.

Intel said Tuesday it will spend up to $8 billion building a semiconductor factory in Hillsboro employing up to 1,000 people. The plan also calls for upgrading two Hillsboro plants and two Arizona plants.

Intel is Oregon's largest private employer.

University of Oregon economist Tim Duy (doo-ee) says that if the state had an announcement like that once a month for the next decade, that still wouldn't restore all the jobs lost in Oregon during the Great Recession.

Still, Duy and others say Intel's announcement is good news for the added jobs and the less tangible benefits such as solidifying Intel's role in Oregon.