Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA-/A-1+' rating to Washington State Housing Finance Commission's $23.1 million variable rate demand revenue bonds, series 2004A and 2004B, issued for Merrill Gardens Renton Centre project, based on a direct pay letter of credit (LOC) provided by Bank of America ('AA-/A-1+'). The bonds will be issued in the daily interest rate mode, which may be later converted to a weekly or fixed-rate mode. The LOC will provide coverage for all principal and interest for 37 days at 10%. Should the bonds convert to a fixed-rate mode, there is a mandatory call and the LOC does not provide coverage. Bondholders can tender their bonds while in daily or weekly modes. The bonds are also