Olympic Construction Boosts UK Economy by $11.6 Billion

A government-commissioned report says the British economy received a multi-billion-pound (dollar) boost from construction projects for the London Olympics.

The report says the economy was lifted by 7.3 billion pounds ($11.6 billion) from the construction of venues and infrastructure for the games. The construction budget was 6.5 billion pounds ($10.3 billion).

The report for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport also said plans are on track for creating a long-term sports legacy from the Olympics.

Sports Minister Hugh Robertson says the games provided the "opportunity to regenerate East London, maximize opportunities to drive economic growth and encourage a generation to choose sport."