NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) July 1, 1999--Standard&Poor's today raised its rating on Monmouth County and Monmouth County Improvement Authority, N.J.'s GO debt to triple-'A' from double-'A'-plus. In addition, Standard and Poor's assigned its triple-'A' rating to Monmouth County's $34.2 million GO improvement bonds and county college bonds series 1999 dated July 15, 1999, scheduled to sell July 7, 1999. The upgrade on Monmouth County's debt reflects a history of strong financial management through economic cycles, evidenced by growing fiscal reserves, control of its solid waste issues, and continued economic development and expansion. Other rating factors include: -- A diversified expanding economic base with a focus in the health care and telecommunications industries; -- Above-average income indicators;
