Oregon

The state of Oregon is planning to sell $68 million of tax-exempt and taxable bonds next week to finance capital projects at state universities.

Oregon's first general obligation bond sale of the year met strong demand last week, according to the state treasurer's office.

Faced with legal challenges to its plans for a publicly-backed hotel near the Oregon Convention Center, the Portland Metro Council has asked a judge to review its financing plan for the project.

The city of Portland, Ore., is planning to sell $30 million of new money and refunding general obligation bonds in a competitive offering next week.

Oregon's legislature ended its short session this month, approving over $5 billion in debt, but ending the Columbia River Crossing plan for a modern Interstate 5 span across the Columbia River.

Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings have downgraded a health care system with hospitals in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, ahead of its $108 million refunding deal.

Sales of municipal bonds in the Far West bucked the national trend in 2013 by rising from 2012, as new money swapped with refundings as the market driver in the region.

The Oregon's State Debt Policy Advisory Commission said the state can issue up to $215 million in additional debt through fiscal 2015 without going over the recommended debt capacity, but urges prudence.

Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber says the state legislature must take action next month to move forward with the Columbia River bridge replacement project or it will die in March.

Oregon Treasurer Ted Wheeler said he won't approve the issuance of over $1.5 billion bonds for the Columbia River Crossing project until there is more certainty on toll collections.

Moody's Investors Service has upgraded the rating on Portland, Ore.-based Legacy Health System's revenue bonds based on improved finances.

The state of Oregon is priced $410 million of revenue bonds for its Department of Transportation.

The West Coast Infrastructure Exchange, has released a draft of standards to help select the public infrastructure projects it will support for private investment.

The multi-billion dollar Columbia River Crossing project may be financially viable as long as certain conditions are met, according to a top official in the Oregon State Treasury.

The Internal Revenue Service has closed its audit of $149.09 million of Beaverton, Ore., School District general obligation bonds with no change to the bonds’ tax-exempt status.

Portland, Ore. is planning to sell $215 million of revenue bonds to fund capital improvements and refund outstanding debt.

The Portland Metro Council approved a financing plan for a 600-room Hyatt hotel near the Oregon Convention Center, which includes issuing bonds backed by room taxes.

Sales of municipal bonds in the Far West region grew by almost 11% during the first half of 2013 compared to a year earlier as low rates continued to drive volume.

Oregon received the highest short-term ratings from the credit rating agencies ahead of its $643 million tax anticipation notes sale next week.

Oregon lawmakers adjourned the 2013 legislative session Monday after approving an $800 million bonding package to fund construction projects around the state during the next two years.