Northeast

Massachusetts has adopted more rigorous guidelines for bond refundings that state officials say will enable them to better gauge opportunities for such deals.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey voted Wednesday to use a public-private partnership to replace the Goethals Bridge between New York and New Jersey.

The Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust maintained its triple-A rating from all three major credit rating agencies in advance of its $205 million sale.

New York MTA chairman-designate Thomas Prendergast said favorable state aid might partially offset the size of a fare and toll increase in 2015.

The Lehigh County Authority said it would finance $220 million for the Allentown, Pa., water-and-sewer concession through low interest, 30-year bonds.

New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority completed its first bond transaction entirely managed and underwritten by minority- and women-owned firms.

Four of New York City's mayoral candidates discussed the city's finances, infrastructure, unfunded liabilities, and education at The Bond Buyer's 3rd Annual Tri-State Area conference Monday.

Variable-rate represents 8% of the total debt of New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority and is well under its threshold, a finance official said.

Fitch Ratings downgraded New Haven's general obligation bonds to A, citing weakened financial flexibility, above average debt and high future retiree costs.

The Long Island Power Authority trustees expect to approve John McMahon as the new chief operating officer today.