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Washington County bond rating upgraded
    
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01/14/2009
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Associated Press
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<p>Despite the recession, Washington County is starting the new year with an upgraded bond rating from Standard & Poor's that should lower the cost of new projects for the western suburbs of Portland.
<p>Standard & Poor's recently moved Washington County up from a AA rating to AA+ for municipal bonds, which is a just a single step from the highest rating of AAA.
<p>Higher ratings mean lower costs to issue bonds to finance government projects and services.
<p>Washington County Board Chairman Tom Brian says the upgrade reflects the value of strategic planning and financial discipline in tough economic times.
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