Southeast

DALLAS — Debate on Louisiana's budget for fiscal 2013 hit an impasse Thursday as conservative Republicans objected to fellow GOP Gov. Bobby Jindal's plan to use $268 million of one-time revenue to balance the $25 billion spending plan.

The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund may seek up to $1.7 billion of financing from the municipal market in the upcoming months.

BRADENTON, Fla. — Of Florida's 67 counties, an "unprecedented" 52 have joined a lawsuit challenging a new state law that county officials say could impair their ability to make bond payments and meet debt coverage requirements while reducing bonding capacity.

The St. Bernard Parish, La., School Board will receive a final payment of $148.3 million for rebuilding efforts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Louisiana saved more than $100 million in debt service costs with last week’s $803 million refunding of gasoline and fuels tax revenue bonds, said state Treasurer John Kennedy.

Atlanta officials announced Monday that they reached a proposed agreement with the federal government and the state of Georgia to modify a 1999 federal wastewater consent decree.

Birmingham, Ala., Mayor William Bell reportedly wants to ask voters for twice the bonding authority he originally sought, according to the Birmingham News.

Federal bankruptcy Judge Thomas Bennett on Monday continued indefinitely proceedings related to Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.’s request for sewer rate increases in Jefferson County.

BRADENTON, Fla. — The Alabama House County and Municipal Government Committee passed an amended bill Tuesday that is designed to bring fiscal relief to bankrupt Jefferson County.

BRADENTON, Fla. — For the first time in years, the Mississippi Legislature has ended its annual session without passing a bill authorizing new bonds for capital projects.