Federal money for SC State can’t be used for bills

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) — Federal money earmarked for a transportation center at South Carolina State University will not help the school pay its overdue bills.

Area media outlets report that President Thomas Elzey told the board of the Orangeburg school Wednesday that the school may be able to get $13 million earmarked for the James E. Clyburn Transportation Center.

But Elzey said that money can only be used for transportation projects such as resurfacing roads. The school would have to come up with $2.5 million in matching funds.

The university has been working to improve its financial situation.

Earlier this year the Budget and Control Board granted a $6 million loan to the university while a committee of current and former state college presidents has determined South Carolina State has an $18 million deficit.