Clemson receives legislators’ initial OK to buy 2nd plane

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Clemson University has received legislators’ initial permission to buy a private jet for its athletics department.

The Joint Bond Review Committee approved Wednesday the university’s plans to buy an eight-passenger aircraft to be used primarily for athletic recruiting and fundraising. The college’s athletic booster group has committed to pay $4.5 million toward a used Citation CJ2.

No taxpayer money is involved. But state law requires any agency to get approval to buy or long-term lease a plane. Final approval is needed from the Budget and Control Board, which meets next week.

With the purchase, Clemson would once again own two planes. In 2011, it sold a 1977 aircraft that needed a major overhaul.

Athletics Director Dan Radakovich says no recruits would fly on the plane, only coaches and university officials.