West Virginia

West Virginia's Blue Ribbon Commission on Highways recommended a $1 billion bond program to address a deficit in funds needed for transportation projects.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's blue ribbon commission on highways in West Virginia is considering a $1 billion transportation bond program.

Municipal bond issuance in the Southeast dropped nearly 12% to $30.7 billion in the first half of 2013. Sales were down in eight of the 11 states comprising the region.

Historically low interest rates last year helped boost bond sales across the Southeast to $63 billion, an increase of 33% over 2011. The surge in debt was propelled by refundings.

Moody's Investors Service placed tobacco settlement revenue bonds of issuers in 17 states and two territories under review with direction uncertain because of legal settlement announced in December. The action affects $20.5 billion of debt.

Mountain State University in West Virginia has redeemed its outstanding tax-exempt debt as the private nonprofit institution winds down its operations.

West Virginia voters kept Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, a Democrat, in office to serve a full four-year term.

The West Virginia Legislature is considering pension reform measures as a way of dealing with a $5.6 billion liability.

Local communities in eight states with a stake in the controversial mostly bond-financed Prairie State Energy coal project in Illinois could face fiscal stress due to the higher than projected rates they are paying and future financial risks, a new report from an pro-environmental group warns.

Municipal bond issuance in the Southeast during the first half of this year was up by 57% to $34 billion - nearly the same amount that was lost between 2011 and 2010.

West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin issued an executive order creating a blue ribbon commission to study long-term transportation needs.

Moody's Investors Service downgraded the bond rating on Davis Health System, W.Va., to Ba2 from Ba1.

West Virginia's Mountain State University lost its investment-grade bond rating after announcing that it may lose its accreditation.

Moody’s Investors Service on Monday downgraded to B3 from Ba3 the long-term rating assigned to Weirton Medical Center in West Virginia.

The West Virginia Legislature is considering a plan to ask voters to approve $1 billion of bonds for state road projects, according to the Charleston Daily Mail.

In a special election Tuesday, acting West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, a Democrat and president of the Senate, edged out Republican businessman Bill Maloney. They were the two top vote getters in the race.

Boone County Schools in West Virginia is asking voters to pass a bond referendum next month. The Board of Education wants to sell $45.2 million of general obligation bonds in two series with 20-year maturities. Early voting will be held Aug. 5-17. Election day is Aug. 20.

The West Virginia Economic Development Authority closed on the sale of $90.8 million of lease revenue refunding bonds that achieved a net present-value savings of $6.39 million over the remaining life of the bonds, officials said.

Standard & Poor’s has raised its rating to BBB-minus from BB on revenue bonds issued for Princeton Community Hospital.

In a special primary election Saturday, voters in West Virginia selected two of three candidates to vie for governor in the general election later this year.