Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA' rating to Albuquerque, N.M.'s $35.8 million general-purpose taxable GO bonds series 2004A and B, reflecting the city's: Expanding and diversifying economic base, Historically stable financial operations, and Manageable debt burden. The series 2004A and B bonds are secured by the city's full faith and credit pledge. Proceeds will be used to finance the acquisition of certain projects related to fire and police protection, parks and recreation, libraries, transit, and other purposes. Following the sale of the series 2004 bonds, the city will have about $70 million in authorized but unissued GO debt. Albuquerque, with a population of 463,874, is New Mexico's largest city and economic center. Services and trade (56% of area
