SAN FRANCISCO (Standard&Poor's) July 13, 2004--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'A' rating to the City of Tacoma, Wash.'s series 2004A convention center and parking revenue bonds, based on good debt service coverage and a strong regional economy. The outlook is stable. "Combined sales and use tax and net parking system revenues are adding up to good debt service coverage for Tacoma," Standard&Poor's credit analyst Ian Carroll said. "Additionally, Tacoma is a strong participant in the greater Puget Sound metropolitan area." The bonds are secured by a pledge of sales and use taxes and by net revenues of the Tacoma parking system. The bonds are being issued to take out commercial paper used during the
