ATLANTA (AP) — A watchdog group says it's officially launched a petition drive to place a measure before Atlanta voters calling for the end of public financing for a new Falcons stadium.

William Perry of Common Cause Georgia said Tuesday the group has received its official copy of the petition from the municipal clerk's office and started collecting the 35,000 signatures needed to quality for the November ballot. Perry earlier said it would be a "monumental task" with 60 days to gather signatures.

State and city officials have signed off on the $1 billion stadium in downtown Atlanta. Officials estimate $200 million in 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 neighborhoods.