A proposed new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons will be an issue for state lawmakers when they go back into session on Monday. The General Assembly will need to approve a key step for the stadium deal to work.
Two decades after the Georgia Dome opened, plans to replace it require a vote at the state Capitol.
State lawmakers will have to OK an increase in the debt limit for the Georgia World Congress Center Authority from $200 million to $300 million.
State Rep. Joe Wilkinson (R-Sandy Springs) says he sees long-term benefits for the state with a new retractable roof stadium paid for largely by the Falcons.
"I want to see us keep the SEC Championship game. I want us to bring a Super Bowl back. I want us to have the national football college championship game here. I want us to have Major League Soccer and also convention," said Wilkinson.
But the House committee chairman says lawmakers will have to be convinced of the need for a new stadium.
"I talked to many fellow legislators who do not believe that the case has been made yet. So they have work to do. They going to have to do some real hard campaigning," said Wilkinson.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed is sounding a note of confidence for a new deal. He spoke Thursday to the Atlanta Press Club.
"I think we'll get a deal done on the stadium. We'll have a world-class stadium in the city of Atlanta," Reed said Thursday in a speech.
The mayor emphasized that visitors would pay most of the public portion of the project through the city's hotel/motel tax and he dismissed suggestions that the tax proceeds could be used elsewhere, saying that, law, the funds are not designated for other uses.
"It's not like the Georgia General Assembly would have authorized 300 million for other infrastructure projects. It's possible. I don't think politically they would," said Reed.
For now, the Falcons and the World Congress Center are considering finalists to design a stadium in hopes a deal will bring a new facility with 2017.
The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.
The Atlanta Falcons, state and city officials have agreed on a deal to ensure that at least 31 percent of construction awards for the team's new stadium are awarded to minority or women-owned firms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:45 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:45:14 GMT
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff biked his way to work on Friday. Dimitroff rode from Buckhead to The Georgia Dome as part of "National Bike to Work Day."
Monday, May 13 2013 7:19 PM EDT2013-05-13 23:19:20 GMT
Former Atlanta Falcons star Warrick Dunn is now a graduate of Emory University. He was awarded a business degree after completing the university's Executive MBA program.
Former Atlanta Falcons star Warrick Dunn is now a graduate of Emory University. He was awarded a business degree after completing the university's Executive MBA program.
Monday, May 13 2013 10:01 AM EDT2013-05-13 14:01:16 GMT
It's that time of year again! The Falcons Golf Tournament at the River Club in Suwanee is Monday, and it starts 10 a.m. Good Day Atlanta's Buck Lanford is in the tournament and he spoke with quarterback Matt Ryan.
It's that time of year again! The Falcons Golf Tournament at the River Club in Suwanee is Monday, and it starts 10 a.m. Good Day Atlanta's Buck Lanford is in the tournament and he spoke with quarterback Matt Ryan and Coach Mike Smith!
Friday, May 24 2013 11:06 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:06:52 GMT
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
If you're hitting the road this weekend, you wont be alone. Plenty of drivers are expected to make use of the long Memorial Day weekend, both in and out of town.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:01 GMT
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
An Army Reserve sergeant surprised his daughter by returning from an overseas deployment and presenting her with her diploma at high school graduation.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:32 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:32:57 GMT
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Authorities say more than a dozen people were injured in an accident involving a hotel shuttle bus near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:28:55 GMT
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
In-depth reporting by the Druid Hills High School student newspaper on DeKalb's accreditation controversy landed the head of SACS as the school's commencement speaker on Friday.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:50:02 GMT
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer boating season. Authorities are reminding folks that there are some new laws on Georgia's waterways.
