Bill would pave way for Beltline to enlist help from private sector for transit future

The Atlanta Beltline Inc. may have an easier time getting help from the private sector to build out its transit future, thanks to a bill that cleared the Georgia House of Representatives on Monday.

House Bill 960, sponsored by Rep. Jay Roberts, R-Ocilla, would broaden existing urban redevelopment laws to allow projects like the Beltline the option of using a public-private partnership to help realize its transit goals, like a future light-rail system.

The Atlanta Beltline hasn't yet decided whether to enlist a private company for the transit project, but HB 960 would give "clarity in existing laws" to lay out a framework for such a relationship, said Beltline government affairs director Jill Johnson.