Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its standard long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on Huntsville, Ala.'s general obligation (GO) debt outstanding to 'AAA' from 'AA+'. The outlook is stable. At the same time, we assigned a 'AAA' rating, and stable outlook, to the city's GO warrants series 2009A and 2009B. The upgrade reflects our opinion of the city's strong management practices and the expanding and diversifying local economy, which we expect will continue in the recession. The ratings are also based on what Standard&Poor's views as Huntsville's: Above-average wealth and income levels and below-average unemployment rates; Strong growth and continually diversifying property tax base, coupled with some dependence on the military, aerospace, and electronic industries; Solid financial
