But a spokesperson for the governor told the Business Journal that state law requires that the ASO complete all of its other fundraising before the state can contribute. She added that the orchestra could submit its proposal again in a year.

Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin has already said that the city can't afford to make such a major allocation toward the hall.

The orchestra has raised $108 million for the hall, a 2,000-seat auditorium designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. The orchestra says that the futuristic building, topped with two swooping "leaves," will become a "postcard image" symbolizing Atlanta.