Far West

Municipal bond issuance is expected to increase next year, but state and local governments will need additional federal support to grow, according to a survey of market participants.

ALAMEDA, Calif. — This week, ­California is on track to set a record for its latest-ever budget.

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board is disputing Standard & Poor’s claims that the board’s plans to display municipal bond ratings on its EMMA website would cause it to lose significant revenue, provide few benefits to ­retail ­investors, and erode its intellectual ­property rights.

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating bonds issued by Victorville, Calif., and its enterprises, a city official has confirmed.

SAN FRANCISCO — The first public-private partnership project under a program championed by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger could lead to the sale of almost $600 million of private-activity bonds to fund a six-lane roadway to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

WASHINGTON — The Internal ­Revenue Service is seeking public comment on existing regulations that outline how bond attorneys should practice ­before it.

WASHINGTON — Despite a renewed push this month for a national infrastructure bank, market participants are at odds over such basic issues as how it would be funded and structured and what projects should receive its help.

WASHINGTON — The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is considering options to trim the new $3.83 billion estimated cost of the Metrorail extension project’s second phase in order to reduce the amount of debt that will be needed.

WASHINGTON — Michael Bartolotta, vice chairman of First Southwest Co., a dealer financial advisory and underwriting firm, has been elected the new chairman of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board beginning Oct. 1, drawing concerns from non-dealer advisers that will fall under the board’s regulatory regime at the start of his term.

SAN DIEGO — The future of toll roads in California lies largely in managed lane projects, according to participants at a conference here this week.