Southeast

In two public meetings Thursday, Aiken County school officials accounted for their stewardship of the 1 cent sales tax that has funded several projects and made a pitch for a new $90 million bond issue to keep up with anticipated growth.

Lawmakers Monday authorized issuing the voter-approved debt, including the first sale of $800 million soon.

The state increased the size of the deals by 70%, with its bond finance director citing plans by "the clowns in D.C." to outlaw advance refundings.

The Central Florida Expressway Authority says its deal pricing Tuesday could be up to $347 million.

With rates trending higher, the county still hopes an advance refunding will save water and sewer ratepayers $68 million.

The bonds for Florida’s Brightline train project are rated BB-minus by Fitch.

“Strengthened” financing agreements for the KFC Yum! Center debt, including longer taxpayer support, resulted in higher ratings.

Franklin County, Tenn., officials recently approved an almost $8 million bond issue to fund a long-awaited expansion of the county's jail.

The Central Florida Expressway Authority’s senior bonds won one-notch upgrades from Moody’s Investor Service and S&P Global Ratings.

The Natchez-Adams School Board took steps toward borrowing $34 million.