Transportation officials in Atlanta will meet with a number of major developers this year as it discusses plans for a potential transportation center downtown that could potentially reinvigorate the downtown area, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
The agency has $60 million in federal grant money for planning purposes, and hopes that commercial developers will help with funding as they look to add other projects on top of the hub. Overall, the center would bring in development and jobs to the region, while also making an easier commute for those who purchase Atlanta homes for sale.
"Atlanta is the economic engine of the state," DOT board member David Doss told the paper. "If Atlanta is successful and continues to grow, the state of Georgia’s going to be successful and continue to grow."
However, the development isn't likely to be completed overnight. Local officials told the paper that it would likely take five years of planning and construction to complete the project if it's approved.
The city is also working to push forward other transportation projects as well. Last month, the city was awarded a $47.6 million grant for the construction of a streetcar line through downtown. That project is expected to start construction sometime in 2012.
