Effort seeks to halt public money for Ga. stadium

ATLANTA (AP) A watchdog group is launching an effort to place a ballot measure before Atlanta voters calling for the repeal of public financing for a new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons.

William Perry of Common Cause Georgia said Thursday it'll be a ``monumental task'' to get the 35,000 signatures needed to quality for the November ballot. But Perry says the effort is worth it so the public can have a say in the process.

State and city officials have signed off on the $1 billion stadium in downtown Atlanta. Officials estimate $200 million from public bonds will be used to build the new, retractable-roof stadium. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has said the stadium is a key project that will create jobs and revitalize downtown neighborhoods.