BOSTON (Standard&Poor's) June 9, 2009--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on Portsmouth, N.H.'s general obligation (GO) debt one notch to 'AA+' from 'AA' based on the city's favorable economic indicators, demonstrated consistent financial position, good management practices, and moderate-to-low debt burden. The outlook is stable. The rating service also assigned its 'AA+' long-term rating, and stable outlook, to the city's $21 million series 2009 GO capital improvement bonds. The ratings also reflect the city's location, participation, and access to large regional employment centers; diverse property tax base and extremely strong per capita market values; very strong financial position; and moderate-to-low debt burden, after factoring in self-supporting enterprise debt and appropriated state
