Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA' rating, and stable outlook, to Portsmouth, N.H.'s general obligation (GO) capital improvement bonds series 2008. In addition, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AA' standard long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR), and stable outlook, on the city's existing GO parity debt. The rating reflects the city's: Location and access to large regional employment centers; Ongoing commercial and industrial development, which adds to tax base valuations and local employment; Good income levels, as evidenced by median household effective buying income at 109% of the nation's level; Extremely strong property tax base, with a per capita market value of $200,326--reflecting its large commercial and industrial base, which comprises 46% of assessed value; Trend of favorable
