By Tim Smith CAPITAL BUREAU tcsmith@greenvillenews.com
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COLUMBIA -- The State Budget and Control Board on Tuesday delayed
final approval of spending $10.3 million in bonds to help Clemson
University build its Restoration Research Institute involving the
Hunley submarine.
The action came after Gov. Mark Sanford said he wants lawmakers
to address the issue of "mission creep" among colleges and
universities.
The North Charleston project would create a 22,000-square-foot
research building, renovate the laboratory housing the Confederate
sub and transfer restoration of the submarine to Clemson. The
complicated deal involves a donation of land from North Charleston
and an agreement with the Hunley Commission and Clemson.
Sanford, who has called for more coordination in the expansion of
college campuses and programs in the state, said he also wants to
see the numbers showing the exact economic benefit expected from the
new campus.
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Clemson officials say the campus will educate 50-100 students
annually and cost about $1 million to operate.
"Isn't that a very expensive education for 50-100 kids?" Sanford
asked.
Treasurer Grady Patterson and Comptroller General Richard
Eckstrom said more time is needed to resolve questions about the
deal. North Charleston, for instance, hasn't yet signed the proposed
contract.
The board approved, however, on a 3-2 vote, $5 million for the
purchase of land in Charleston by Clemson for the Clemson
Architectural Center. Officials say the center now serves about 30
students and building a new center will allow the program to serve
85-100.
Sanford and Eckstrom voted against the funding, while Patterson,
Sen. Hugh Leatherman and Rep. Dan Cooper voted for it.
Sanford said the center was "well-intentioned" but an example of
schools expanding programs and campuses outside of any state higher
education master plan. He said such "mission creep" has exacerbated
rising tuition costs for students in the state.
"The net of what we've got is a costly system for taxpayers and
students," he said. |