Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA' long-term rating to the Nashville&Davidson County Metropolitan Government (Metro), Tenn.'s $200.665 million series 2011 general obligation (GO) refunding bonds. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AA' long-term and underlying rating (SPUR) on Metro's outstanding GO debt. Finally, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AA-' SPUR on Metro's outstanding energy system revenue bonds. The outlook on all bonds is stable. The rating reflects our view of Metro's: Deep, diversified economic and employment base; Role as a regional economic center, which is evidenced by strong per capita retail sales; and Moderate overall debt levels, coupled with reasonable capacity to fund projects identified in its capital improvement program (CIP). In our
