Bonds approved for Falcons stadium land purchase

A state board approved on Thursday $30 million in bond financing for three projects on the Georgia World Congress Center campus, including funds to be used towards a new dome for the Atlanta Falcons.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development board approved $15 million in financing to be used for land acquisition for the $1 billion stadium project. The new stadium is expected to open in time for the 2017 NFL season. This week, NFL owners approved $200 million in league funding toward the project.

The economic development board also on Thursday approved $11.75 million to fund part of the construction of the new College Football Hall of Fame, including a parking deck, a connection between the hall and the Congress Center and a new roadway. The attraction is slated to open in the fall of 2014.