Mass. panel OKs using $9M stimulus money for footbridge aiding New England Patriots owner

Mass. panel OKs $9 million for Patriots footbridge

BOSTON — A Massachusetts panel has given approval to use $9 million in federal stimulus funds for a pedestrian bridge sought by the owner of the New England Patriots.

The span over the north-south highway U.S. Route 1 would help pedestrians cross parking lots outside Gillette Stadium and connect the Patriot Place mall with an office park being proposed by team owner Robert Kraft.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization approved it Thursday by a 13-1 vote.

Critics have questioned giving the money to a billionaire and using funds intended for shovel-ready projects on an office park that won’t be built immediately.

Kraft and his wife have recently stepped up their political donations to Gov. Deval Patrick, who says the state is supporting the footbridge because it will help create jobs.