Panel Meets To Weigh Boston-Area Olympics Bid

A special commission created to look into the possibility of Massachusetts launching a bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics has held its first meeting at the State House.

State Sen. Eileen Donoghue, who serves on the 11-member panel, said in a statement after Thursday's meeting that the commission would analyze all aspects of hosting the games, including transportation, security and overall costs.

Donoghue, a Lowell Democrat, filed the bill to create the panel and said she hoped to learn whether the long-term benefits of having the Olympics would outweigh the significant expenses to the state.

Several Boston business leaders also serve on the commission, which must complete its report by March 1, 2014.

The U.S. Olympic Committee has asked for a list of potential 2024 host cities by early next year.