Mayor Nutter Sends Philly 2024 Olympic Bid Letter

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Mayor Michael Nutter has sent a letter to the U.S. Olympic Committee saying that Philadelphia is "enthusiastically" hoping to host the Olympics and Paralympics in 2024.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Nutter sent the letter on Monday to confirm the city's "wholehearted commitment and interest" in working with the USOC to bid on the games.

The USOC in February contacted the 25 largest U.S. cities and 10 others the committee feels could host the games. The budget will be about $3 billion, not including construction of any new venues.

Philadelphia was one of five U.S. cities that made a presentation to the USOC for a chance to host the 2016 games, which will be held in Rio de Janeiro.