LISTEN: The 17-acre community reconnecting project was scheduled to break ground next year, but now the timeline is uncertain. GPB's Amanda Andrews reports.

The Stitch project will create a three-quarter mile platform over highways 75 an 85 to reconnect downtown with Old Fourth Ward, English Avenue, an Midtown.

The Stitch project will create a three-quarter-mile platform over Interstate 75/85 to reconnect downtown with the Old Fourth Ward, English Avenue and Midtown neighborhoods.

Credit: Atlanta Downtown

An Atlanta project designed to reconnect several downtown neighborhoods with a 17-acre cap over the I-75/I-85 Connector is at risk of being defunded.

Atlanta was awarded a $157 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to build The Stitch in 2024. Now the White House wants to take back the money.

Part of the funds have already been dispersed for designing the project, but the majority won’t be distributed until construction begins. Stitch development manager Jack Cebe said that’s standard.

“You do not get your construction money until you are able to clear federal permitting processes, such as the National Environmental Protection Act — NEPA,” Cebe said.  “So that's a big part of the due diligence process and design and understanding the impacts of the project. And that takes a good bit of time.”

Based on the construction timeline, permits would have been approved and the remaining funding would be distributed in early 2026.

Now, leaders on The Stitch are asking local organizations to sign a letter to Congress supporting the project and speaking out against the cuts. Cebe said they need to show broad support.

“We know this project is important to a lot of people and will benefit a lot of people, you know, no matter what your political affiliations are,” he said. “So that's what this letter is about.”

Cebe said the team is optimistic that funding will be preserved. Phase 1 of construction is on track to start in 2026 but could be pushed back several years if funding is cut.

The project has support from several local and federal leaders for the economic and community benefits it will offer the community.

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock of Georgia voiced his support in a statement.

“I’m proud to have secured federal funding for The Stitch and it's a shame Washington Republicans want to divert money away from this transformative economic development project to pay for a tax cut for billionaires,” he said. “The Stitch would reconnect Atlanta communities, construct new housing, and create thousands of good-paying Georgia jobs. I will do everything in my power to protect this funding so Georgians can continue to reap the benefits of their tax dollars.”

The Stitch would create an estimated 40,000 jobs, 25,000 new housing units, and generate $9 billion towards the state economy.

Tags: Atlanta  downtown redevelopment  federal funding cuts  Georgia