Louisiana

The commission also approved converting a GO bond sale from competitive to negotiated.

Tolling on the Belle Chasse Bridge is expected to start Tuesday.

The Southeast has many of the largest ports and cargo airports in the country along with extensive foreign investment that creates exposure to trade turmoil.

The issuing entity said it has collected enough money to pay all outstanding debt service.

The bonds are to be sold competitively in April.

While the new tax policies should address the state's projected deficit, rating agencies are cautious about the projected revenues and federal spending on Medicaid, which could impact Louisiana.

The state will try to convince the rating agency to lift its debt to AA, to match the rating others have assigned.

Skeptical lawmakers, a new administration in Baton Rouge, and construction change orders all meant repeated delays in commercial close of the P3.

Unless the state government makes changes to taxes or spending, there will be deficits of $587 million to more than $800 million starting in the next fiscal year.

The downgrade affects $2.1 billion in bond debt and extends to its utility debt.