The rating on Washington County, Md.'s bonds reflects a full faith and credit pledge. Other factors include: A limited economic base, Steady tax base growth, Sound finances, and A moderate debt burden. The county is located in western Maryland, bordering Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The county has a limited employment base, primarily focused in the services and trade sectors. Some new county employers include Staples and Prime Outlets, while existing business have expanded. Moderate economic expansion has offset the closure of Fort Ritchie in 1998, which eliminated 2,000 military and civilian positions; 900 positions were transferred to nearby Fort Detrick in neighboring Frederick County. The county's tax base has grown to $2.59 billion and a below-average per capita market value
