The standard long-term rating and Standard&Poor's underlying rating (SPUR) on Washington County, Md.'s GO bonds has been raised to 'AA-' from 'A+', based on a track record of good financial performance, which is reflected by consecutive general fund surpluses for at least the past eight fiscal years, coupled with consistently healthy and steadily increasing reserve levels. The upgrade also reflects ongoing growth and diversification in the local economy and the county's role as a regional employment center. The county's public improvement and runway extension project bonds series 2006 have been rated 'AA-'. The rating further reflects: The county's role as a regional employment center, with proximity to Washington D.C. and Baltimore; A large tax base that continues to
