AUSTIN (AP) - The Texas unemployment rate is under 7 percent for the first time in three years, falling to 6.9 percent for April as the state added 13,200 nonfarm jobs.

The Texas Workforce Commission said Friday that the jobless rate fell from 7.0 percent in March and 8.0 percent a year ago.

The state’s jobless rate was last under 7 percent at 6.9 percent in March 2009.

The national unemployment rate is 8.1 percent.

Agency figures show that eight of the 11 major industries in Texas gained jobs in April, led by construction with 7,300 jobs.

Midland still has the lowest local unemployment rate at 3.5 percent.

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