Standard and Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'A' long-term rating to Washington Health Care Facilities Authority, Wash.'s series 2009A revenue bonds, issued on behalf of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC). In addition, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'A' issuer credit rating (ICR) on the FHCRC and its 'A' underlying rating (SPUR) on the center's outstanding debt. The rating on the series 2009A bonds reflects FHCRC's: General obligation; Strength as one of the few comprehensive cancer centers in the nation, with a history of strong grant support and solid success rate with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Cancer Institute (NCI); Independence and flexibility as a freestanding research center without the risks of a clinical care component;
