Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has assigned its 'AA+' long-term rating to Portsmouth, N.H.'s 2011 general obligation (GO) capital improvement bonds and affirmed its 'AA+' long-term rating and underlying rating on the city's existing GO debt. The outlook is stable. The 'AA+' ratings reflect the city's: Location and participation in, and access to, large regional employment centers; Diverse property tax base, with extremely strong per capita market value and strong household income level; Very strong financial position, with strong management practices and policies; and Low-to-moderate debt burden. The city's full faith and credit GO pledge secures the bonds. Officials will use bond proceeds to finance the city's middle school construction project and various other capital improvement projects. Portsmouth, with an
