Georgia

Completing critical sewer projects under a federal consent decree on time and under budget is a credit positive for Atlanta's sewer system, said Moody's Investors Service.

Atlanta reached its latest federal consent decree milestone by completing two major wastewater infrastructure improvements under budget by $50 million.

Georgia ended fiscal 2014 with $17.9 billion in revenue collections, an increase of 5.2% compared to the previous year, Gov. Nathan Deal said July 14.

Atlanta plans to ask voters to help fund a portion of a $1 billion infrastructure backlog without raising taxes.

Opponents of the Atlanta Braves' $672 million stadium in Cobb County intervened in the proceeding to validate $397 million of bonds for the new Major League Baseball facility.

The Atlanta City Council approved a $1.9 billion budget for fiscal 2015, which includes $250 million in general obligation bonds that voters must approve in a referendum.

Georgia prices $978 million of general obligation bonds Tuesday in competitive bidding that should attract bidders due to its multi-faceted structure, a trader said.

Five residents living near the Atlanta Falcons new stadium filed notice saying they will appeal a judge's validation of $278.3 million in bonds to support the $1.2 billion project.

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority adopted a $885.7 million budget for fiscal 2015 and approved the sale of $287 million of bonds June 5.

The Environmental Protection Agency's proposed rule to cut carbon dioxide emissions as much as 30% by 2030 will drive up costs for coal-dependent states, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam said.

Cobb County commissioners on May 27 approved issuing up to $397 million of revenue bonds for the Atlanta Braves $672 million stadium.

Cobb County, Ga.'s $368 million taxable Atlanta Braves stadium deal should help fill investor demand for taxable bonds amid a dearth of supply, experts said.

Georgia plans to issue $152.7 million in bonds for various transportation projects, including the reconstruction of an interchange at Interstate 285 and Georgia 400.

Moody's Investors Service downgraded Atlanta's Morehouse College two notches to Baa3, citing potentially insufficient cash flow for debt service, among other issues.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has appointed Miguel Southwell as the new general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Walker County, Ga., officials asked Standard & Poor's to withdraw its ratings after disagreeing with a four-notch downgrade to BBB-plus, the county's investment banker said.

A Fulton County judge validated $278.3 million in revenue bonds to support the Atlanta Falcon's new stadium though an appeal is expected, an attorney said.

Standard & Poor's lowered its ratings on Walker County, Ga.'s general obligation sales tax bonds four notches to BBB-plus from AA-minus citing weak liquidity and contingent liabilities.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has proposed a $1.9 billion spending plan for 2015, and the city is using social media to get the public involved with the budget process.

Atlanta hopes a new financial incentive program will stimulate international air cargo and passenger growth at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.