And the pattern holds true for the five contiguous counties, where the unemployment rate has averaged 13.2 percent but caseloads have fallen by a fifth.

Under Section 2, each county is a separate school district, though contiguous counties may combine into one school district upon voter approval.

"I think it's important for district attorneys of contiguous counties to have a solid relationship," Mr. Spota said.

The diocese is made up of 34 congregations located in the 13 contiguous counties of northwest Pennsylvania.

They can also serve civil process in any precinct in their county and any contiguous county to their home county.

These are the contiguous counties to the city of Memphis.

"This association will set a new tone for the ethos of sports in the five boroughs and the contiguous counties," Ashe said.

Some independent cities have been allowed to revert to incorporated town status and rejoin contiguous counties.

Farmers and ranchers in counties contiguous to Solano County also can benefit from the designation.

The basic geographic sampling unit for NAEP; can be either a single county or a set of contiguous counties.