SAN FRANCISCO (Standard&Poor's) April 23, 2002--Standard&Poor's said today it had raised its rating to double-'A'-minus from single-'A'-plus on Tacoma, Wash.'s previously issued general obligation bonds based on the city's solid financial management and the area's sustained growth in land values. Standard&Poor's also said it had assigned its double-'A'-minus rating to Tacoma's new $34.4 million issuance of general obligation bonds, which are slated to sell on May 14. The outlook is stable. "The rating is also based on Tacoma's full participation in the Puget Sound area's diverse and growing economic base," credit analyst Wendy Rader said, adding that the city's management has demonstrated a commitment to infrastructure and facility development that will help support revenue
