News and Information from Bond Buyer

The recent drought emergency declaration in Washington State provides a short-term credit positive development for the agricultural communities in the central and eastern portions of the state, Moody's Investors Service said.

Rhode Island Treasurer Seth Magaziner unveiled a transparency initiative, which includes several policies and tools that he said would enhance accountability.

The Massachusetts legislature’s joint committee on transportation has scheduled a public hearing on Gov. Charlie Baker’s bill to overhaul the MBTA.

The Orange County Water District's approval of a non-binding term sheet to purchase water from Poseidon Water's proposed Huntington Beach, Calif. desalination plant is a credit positive , Moody's Investors Service said.

New Jersey lawmakers will be voting in June on a five-bill package aimed at assisting financially struggling Atlantic City, according to Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo.

Prices of top-quality municipal bonds finished stronger on Tuesday, traders said, with yields on some maturities falling by as much as five basis points. Meanwhile, the market’s attention is focused on two big deals coming from the city of Chicago and the state of Pennsylvania.

The Puerto Rico House of Representatives plans to take an up or down vote on a tax rise bill received from the Senate.

Suzanne Shank, president and CEO of Siebert Brandford Shank & Co. LLC, has been named to a national panel dedicated to boosting private investment in infrastructure.

Moody's upgraded once-bankrupt Central Falls, R.I.'s GO bonds to Ba2 from Ba3, while keeping a stable outlook.

Baird Advisors is expanding its municipal offerings and strategies with the addition of three new muni professionals.

Moody's Investors Service said it has upgraded the rating to Ba2 from Ba3 on the city of Central Falls, R.I.'s general obligation bonds, Series 2007.

Orange County, Fla., plans to competitively price a $170 million tourist tax refunding deal Thursday that comes to market with three rating upgrades due to substantial growth in hotel revenues.

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said it has raised its rating on Healdsburg Public Financing Authority, Calif.'s wastewater revenue debt issued for Healdsburg to AA from AA-minus.

Cook County, Ill., says a fresh downgrade could force it to refinance $500 million of debt and cost taxpayers an additional $25 million a year.

States have pulled back up to $2 billion of scheduled road projects due to uncertain federal transportation funding.

New service and a rebound in passengers at Orlando International Airport have expedited planning for a new $1 billion terminal.

Standard & Poor's has revised its outlook to positive from stable on Illinois-based Blessing Hospital's A-minus rating in recognition its solid operations.

The Treasury Department Tuesday auctioned $26 billion of two-year notes with a 5/8% coupon at a 0.648% yield, a price of 99.954426.

Moody's Investors Service has upgraded Kenosha Unified School District #1 in Wisconsin to Aa3 from A1 due to the district's strengthened fiscal position.

Moody's Investors Service has upgraded Polk County, Minn.'s rating to Aa2 from Aa3 thanks to its healthy reserves and growing tax base.