SC Colleges, Universities Report $1.1 Billion Behind in Maintenance

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) -- Higher education in South Carolina reached an even higher price tag with colleges and universities reporting an estimated $1.1 billion backlog in building maintenance that they have failed to address over the past years.

The State reports that the increasing tab was a result of years of state budget cuts and other priorities.

“It’s been running about that level for some time,” said Gary Glenn, director of finance and facilities for the Commission on Higher Education. “The institutions have been maintaining...basically the status quo.”

Up to $32 million of aid may be on the way in the House-approved budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1 as well as from the $18 million surplus from the state lottery.

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