| Abstract: | Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised the long-term component of its rating on New Hanover County, N.C.'s variable-rate hospital revenue bonds (New Hanover Regional Medical Center Project) series 2008A and 2008B to 'AAA' from 'A+' based on the application of joint criteria (assuming low correlation) with a letter of credit (LOC) provided by RBC Bank USA (A-/A-2) and the New Hanover Regional Medical Center (A+). On April 22, 2009, when we revised our criteria, LOC ratings with an underlying rating (SPUR) were reviewed for the application of joint criteria. However, SPURs are only applied when the bonds are eligible for joint support criteria (please see, "S&P Addresses Application Of SPURs On LOC-Backed Issues", published Oct. 13, 2008, on RatingsDirect, and,
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