OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has downgraded the long-term rating to 'AA-' from 'AA' and affirmed the short-term rating of 'F1+'assigned to the $50,000,000 Clark County, Nevada Industrial Development revenue bonds (Southwest Gas Corporation Project) series 2003A. The Rating Outlook for the long-term rating is Stable. The rating action is in connection with: (i) the substitution of the irrevocable direct-pay letter of credit (LOC) previously provided by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (rated 'AA/F1+'/Stable Outlook) with a substitute LOC issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N. A. (JPM; rated 'AA-/F1+'); and (ii) the mandatory tender of the bonds.

KEY RATING DRIVERS:

The long-term 'AA-'rating is based on the higher of the underlying long-term rating assigned to the bonds by Fitch currently rated 'A', Stable Outlook, and the long-term rating assigned by Fitch to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N. A, (rated 'AA-/F1+/Stable Outlook) the bank providing the substitute LOC securing bonds. The substitute LOC has an initial stated expiration date of Sept. 13, 2019, unless extended or earlier terminated, during the daily and weekly interest rate modes only. The short-term 'F1+' rating is based solely on the LOC. For information about the underlying credit rating see Fitch's press release dated Aug. 30, 2016 available at 'www. fitchratings. com'.

Pursuant to the substitute LOC, the bank is obligated to make regularly scheduled payments of principal of and interest on the bonds in addition to payments due upon maturity, acceleration and redemption, as well as purchase price for tendered bonds. Additionally, the bond obligor is in the flow of funds to make timely payments of principal and interest due upon maturity, acceleration and redemption. The JPM LOC provides full and sufficient coverage of principal plus an amount equal to 52 days of interest at a maximum rate of 12% based on a year of 365 days and purchase price for tendered bonds, while in the weekly and daily rate mode. JPMorgan Securities LLC is the Remarketing Agent for the bonds.

RATING SENSITIVITIES

The long-term rating is tied to the Fitch underlying long-term rating assigned to the bonds and the long-term rating that Fitch maintains on the substitute bank providing the LOC. Changes to one or both of these ratings may affect the long-term rating assigned to the bonds. The short-term rating is exclusively tied to the short-term rating that Fitch maintains on the bank providing the substitute LOC and will reflect all changes to that rating.