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.
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!
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:48 PM EDT2013-05-22 02:48:00 GMT
Local families are taking a serious look at storm shelters in the aftermath of Monday's deadly tornado in Oklahoma.
Local families are taking a serious look at storm shelters in the aftermath of Monday's deadly tornado in Oklahoma. Those shelters could mean the difference between life and death when faced with one of these powerful storms.
A federal court has struck down Fayette County's at-large method of electing members to certain county offices, saying the method was a violation of the Voting Rights Act.
A federal court has struck down Fayette County's at-large method of electing members to certain county offices, saying the method was a violation of the Voting Rights Act.
Two Clark Atlanta University students who call themselves brothers despite being from opposite sides of the world have graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian.
Two Clark Atlanta University students who call themselves brothers despite being from opposite sides of the world have graduated as valedictorian and salutatorian.
