Federal Reserve Bullish on Arizona; Economic Growth Seen Matching U.S. Average.

Byline: Tim Steller

Nov. 19--Arizona can expect to match or beat the nationwide rate of economic growth next year, the president of the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank said in Tucson Tuesday.

After a speech sponsored by the Greater Tucson Chamber of Commerce, Robert T. Parry told reporters he expects growth of 4.5 percent to 5 percent in the gross domestic product next year.

"At the very least, Arizona would fully share in that experience," Parry said at the Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa, on the Northwest Side.

Parry said he based his projection on the state's historical performance, on the fact that it has significant …