Midwest

The district plans an aggressive capital program in the next few years to meet rising demand and transition away from coal-fired plants.

A referendum for up to $350 million of general obligation bonds for a terminal project will appear on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Although the strike shouldn't "have significant adverse revenue consequences for Michigan or its local governments, it nevertheless highlights longer-term challenges for a state that is still disproportionately exposed to the domestic auto and auto parts industries," Moody's says.

School districts and local governments may only hold bond elections once a year now, in November. They also face new state-imposed revenue limits.

The city cites stronger tax collections, continued economic growth and stability, and revenue sharing increases provided in the state budget.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is set to unveil a spending blueprint with new revenue proposals next month.

The state in 2010 sold $1.5 billion of bonds backed by payments from a master settlement agreement with tobacco firms and used the proceeds to pay overdue bills.

"In the coming weeks, we will be taking a much closer look at the challenges we face and how we will address those challenges reasonably and responsibly," said Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The authority approved $1.3 billion in conduit financings at its meeting Tuesday.

A Wisconsin county has sold more than $200 million of bonds for broadband provider Bug Tussel to provide high-speed internet to rural customers in the state.