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!
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:31:23 GMT
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Later today, Georgia State Rep. Tyrone Brooks is expected to speak publicly about his recent arrest on fraud and tax charges. Brooks was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:55:59 GMT
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home.
A local woman says she's trying to rebuild her life after storms hit this past weekend and destroyed her home. Just one day later, some of her family members were in Oklahoma near where the tornado hit.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:50 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:50:14 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
