NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) March 3, 2006—Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' has raised its standard long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on Washington County, Md.'s GO bonds to 'AA-' from 'A+', based on a track record of strong 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. The outlook is stable. At the same time, the rating service assigned its 'AA-' rating to the county's $25.5 million public improvement and runway extension project bonds series 2006. The bonds are scheduled to sell on March 7. The rating further reflects
