Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has assigned its 'A' long-term rating to Hamburg Central School District, N.Y.'s series 2012 general obligation (GO) school district refunding serial bonds and affirmed its 'A' long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on the district's existing GO bonds. The ratings reflect the school district's eligibility for, and participation in, the New York State Aid Intercept Program. The credit characteristics of the program are supported by the strength and availability of state aid to the intercept program participants. Standard&Poor's Ratings Services rates four different types of state programs, in more than 20 states, that provide enhancement for school bond issues. These program types include state guarantee, permanent fund, annual appropriation, and state intercept or
