The 'AAA' rating on Minnesota's new GO bonds and preexisting GO debt reflects: A deep and diverse economy supported by several regional economic hubs and anchored by the Minneapolis-St. Paul MSA, the center of the upper Midwest economy; Continued strong management that remains committed to structural balance and maintenance of reserves; and Moderate debt levels with rapid amortization and strong internal controls, which keep debt levels manageable. Including the current bond issue, which will fund a broad range of authorized capital projects, Minnesota's tax-supported debt totals $4 billion. Debt levels have grown over the past decade, but key debt ratios remain below the national average. Minnesota continues to operate under its own internal debt control policies, established more than 25
