[naviga:h3]GE Transportation confirms layoffs[/naviga:h3]

ERIE — GE Transportation is attributing layoffs of salaried workers in Western Pennsylvania to a decline in the locomotive and mining businesses.

The Erie Times-News reported the energy company confirmed Thursday it plans to lay off an unspecified number of salaried workers at its Erie and Grove City plants. GE eliminated 1,500 hourly positions in 2015.

The company said North America is facing a challenging cycle for freight rail and mining markets. GE Transportation said the decision to layoff salaried workers was difficult but necessary for long-term competitiveness.

GE Transportation spokesman Deia Campanelli said salaried employees are eligible for 30-day paid notice and outplacement services.

In March, General Electric said it would cut $2 billion in expenses from its industrial businesses over the next two years.

[naviga:h3]Jobless rate rises again in state[/naviga:h3]

HARRISBURG — The number of people unemployed in Pennsylvania is up slightly over the past month, increasing by 8,000.

The state Labor and Industry Department issued seasonally adjusted data Friday showing the Pennsylvania’s jobless rate rose one tenth of a percentage point to 5 percent in May, up from 4.9 in April. The national rate is 4.3 percent, down by one tenth of a point.

The largest drop in jobs occurred in the construction field, which shed 4,300 positions. The biggest gainer was in leisure and hospitality, up 3,100 jobs.

Manufacturing jobs are at their lowest number since at least 1990.

[naviga:h3]Plans in works to renovate incline[/naviga:h3]

JOHNSTOWN — The Tribune-Democrat reported the Cambria County Transit Authority met with local leaders Thursday to discuss a $10 million project to overhaul the Johnstown Inclined Plane — which carries people and vehicles up and down a 900-foot mountainside. CamTran hopes to raise $350,000.

The Cambria Iron Company built the incline after a devastating flood in 1889. Since then, it’s been used to help carry residents to safety and transport emergency personnel in times of need.