Mass. officials push $9m footbridge for Kraft lots

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Patrick administration plans to use $9 million in stimulus funds for a Foxborough footbridge connecting two parking lots that belong to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

The footbridge would cross Route 1 near Gillette Stadium and Kraft's Patriot Place retail development.

Kraft is tied for number 468 on Forbes Magazine's list of the world's billionaires. The Boston Globe reports that state officials bypassed various projects -- including roadwork in Canton, Danvers, Braintree and Bellingham -- in favor of the footbridge.

Metropolitan Area Planning Council director Marc Draisen questioned if the footbridge was the best use of limited stimulus money.

The Kraft Group, owner of the Patriots and Patriot Place, referred questions to state officials, who said the bridge is key to spurring economic development and jobs along Route 1.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)