U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano remains skeptical that the organizers of the Boston 2024 Olympics bid can pull off an event on such a scale while keeping costs down and out of the pockets of taxpayers.
"Can they really build a 60,000 seat stadium for 174 million, if I remember the number correctly? And I don't know that. I have no idea what it costs to build a stadium. I have never read about a 60,000 seat stadium built for that little amount of money. Now it doesn't mean they can't, just it's a question. And I would like to see that number,and there are many others, vetted by neutral observers," Capuano told reporters Tuesday at the State House.
The Monday morning roll-out of Boston 2024's "2.0" bid for the summer games was an improvement over the less detailed plan the group presented to the public and lawmakers earlier this year, Capuano said.
"It's a step forward. It's better than 1.0, but it still leaves a lot of questions to be answered about financing.
Where's the money coming from? I saw their numbers, and all well and good. I would personally want to see... those numbers going to be justified," Capuano said.
Capauno said he's glad that Gov. Charlie Baker and legislative leaders decided to bring in experts to analyze and track potential Olympic spending.
"I think it was a good idea to hire outside... consultants. I actually suggested it to the governor months ago," Capuano told reporters after taking part in a State House event on the plight of Dominican citizens of Haitian descent deported from their own country.
The former Somerville mayor said it was smart to hire the Brattle Group, the firm engaged by Baker, because they can focus on the just the Olympics issues, instead of a state budget writer who could not be dedicated to the project.