CHICAGO (Standard&Poor's) Sept. 13, 2010--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its underlying rating (SPUR) to 'AA' from 'AA-' on Marquette, Mich.'s general obligation (GO) debt. At the same time, Standard&Poor's assigned its 'AA' long-term rating to Marquette Brownfield Redevelopment Finance Authority's 2010A limited-tax GO bonds, issued for the city, and the city's 2010 limited-tax GO capital improvement bonds. The outlook on all ratings is stable. "The rating actions reflect the regional nature of the local economy, coupled with improved management policies that have contributed to the city's positive financial performance," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Kathryn Clayton. The city's financial position remains healthy, as demonstrated by very strong unreserved general fund balances and continued positive
