The 'AA' Standard&Poor's underlying rating (SPUR) on Hopkinton, Mass.' GO bonds reflects the town's: Diverse and growing local economic base, complementing its access to the strong Boston metropolitan economy; Consistently positive financial operations; Favorable debt position; and Above-average wealth and income levels and rising property values. The town of Hopkinton (population 13,461) is 26 miles outside of Boston. It is located near two key interstate highways, Interstate 495 and the Massachusetts Turnpike, which provide residents with easy access to a number of employment centers, including Boston and suburban high-technology corridors. EMC Inc., a supplier of information storage technology, is the town's leading employer at 3% of assessed value (AV). EMC recently expanding its research and office space by
