Joint Plan Filed in State Infrastructure Aid for New Red Sox Ballpark

BOSTON-The Boston Red Sox chief executive John Harrington and Mayor Thomas M. Menino filed a joint plan outlining where $100 million in state infrastructure aid for a proposed new ballpark will go. The team’s ballpark project was adopted by the state legislature in July.

“This plan will address the longstanding transportation, public safety and environmental issues affecting the Fenway, and will enhance the quality of life for the entire neighborhood,” Harrington is quoted as saying in a released statement.

The plan includes $27 million for road and traffic improvements; $17.5 million pedestraian and landscape improvements; $22.2 million in public transit improvements; $20.4 million in water sewer, flood control and utility upgrades throughout the Fenway area, and $13 million extra if upgrades are needed.

Harrington’s recent decision to sell the team could mean that the new owner would want to move the Red Sox. Land costs are very high in this area and $350 million in private financing is needed to construct the ballpark. The ballpark legislation is site specific, meaning anyone who decides to build in another location would forfeit the $100 million in state aid.