By MIKE ELSWICK -- LNJ

Longview continues to experience moderate growth this decade, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released today.

As of July 1, 2006, estimates prepared by the Census Bureau place the city's population at 76,524, up by 3,180, or 4.3 percent, from Longview's official 2000 census tally of 73,344.

Karen Owen, director of the Longview Metropolitan Planning Organization, said Wednesday that she believes the estimate is close.

John Stroud, executive director of Longview Economic Development Corp., said local job creation is on the rise.

"People follow jobs, and we've had good job growth in recent years," he said. "Good jobs and good wages bring people."