Fewer than one-third of Alaskans say the state economy is in "good" shape or getting better, while most think it's simply staying the same.

Those findings are among the results of a new quarterly survey aimed at gauging how Alaska residents feel about the economy in their state and their hometowns -- not to mention their own bank accounts.

The Alaska economy entered a mild recession about a year ago, with some parts of the state harder hit than others, and some industries, such as construction and lodging, feeling more pain than others, such as health care.

Launched by Northern Economics, an Anchorage research firm, the first Alaska Confidence Review was conducted over 10 days in early April, said Jonathan King, an owner of the firm.

The statewide phone survey of 750 people found:

• Two-thirds of those surveyed said the economy in their local community is staying the same -- not getting better or worse. About 15 percent said their hometown economy is deteriorating.

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