The rating for Huntsville, Ala.'s GO debt reflects the following credit strengths: A strong and diversifying economy, as evidenced by above-average wealth and income and below-average unemployment; A moderately growing and diversifying tax base, with some concentration among the aerospace and electronic industries; and Solid financial performance characterized by operating surpluses and a healthy general fund balance. These credit strengths are offset by high overall debt and debt service requirements. Located in northern Alabama, the city of Huntsville has experienced steady growth and diversification from a historically concentrated military and aerospace employment base. High technology firms including SCI Systems, Intergraph Corp., and ADTRAN Inc. have located facilities in Huntsville, contributing to a diversifying economy. Assessed value (AV) has increased an
