Southeast

Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman was re-sentenced last week to 78 months in prison for bribery, conspiracy, fraud and obstruction of justice. Siegleman was convicted of selling a seat on a state health panel in return for donations to a failed state lottery initiative.

The Birmingham, Ala., City Council Tuesday delayed making a decision on asking voters for $150 million of general obligation bonds. The council will decide whether to schedule the Oct. 9 referendum in another meeting.

These reduced forecasts are likely to impair the ability of Pocahontas 895 to service the bank and Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loans used to fund the road's development.

Jefferson County, Ala.'s bankruptcy judge Wednesday will hear arguments about setting a deadline for the county to propose a plan of adjustment, and will consider a Birmingham group's claim for $1.63 billion.

The nine Georgia regions encompassing 113 counties could face additional funding pressure due to rejection of transportation sales tax, according to Moody's.

Drought-stricken Georgia has approved the first round of projects financed with state-issued bonds that will help build reservoirs and other drinking water projects.

South Florida's Miami-Dade County School Board has agreed to ask voters to approve a $1.2 billion bond issue. The nation's fourth-largest school district wants to make systemwide infrastructure improvements and upgrade technology.

Jackson Securities LLC is being spun off by Atlanta Life Financial Group. Subject to regulatory approval, Jackson will merge with New York-based M.R. Beal & Co.

Fort Lauderdale is thinking about selling about $300 million of pension obligation bonds. While some people think they are too risky, bond market experts say taxable rates are at historic lows and that POBs could actually bring discipline to the city's finances.

Virginia announced Monday that it expects to end fiscal 2012 with a $129.2 million surplus, the third consecutive year the state showed such growth.