State Legislature Considering Probe of Convention Center Project

BOSTON-Amid a number of reports that the $100-million budget overrun on the $750-million South Boston Convention Center here was apparent earlier than previously indicated, members of the State House and State Senate here are considering calling investigations into the project. State Senator Diane Wilkerson called for a hearing with her Senate Committee on State Administration.

State Representative James Fagan, chairman of the House Post Audit Committee, has said that he plans to meet with House Speaker Thomas Finneran to ask Finneran’s permission to conduct an investigation. “The speaker is giving it serious consideration,” Charlie Rasmussen, Finneran’s spokesperson, tells GlobeSt.com.

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority spokesperson Andy Antrobus tells GlobeSt.com that the MCCA will cooperate with an investigation. “We understand that people have questions,” he says, “and we look forward to providing some answers in the near future.” Antrobus adds that the furor over the convention center has to be seen in light of its timing–right after the Big Dig’s cost overrun problems.