SC State: Working on transport center problems

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina State President George Cooper says the university is clearing up problems with a new transportation research center and has resolved most of the issues raised by a state audit.

Cooper says only five of the 18 issues raised by the Legislative Audit Council earlier this year remain to be addressed.

The audit found mismanagement, inexperience and a lack of oversight caused delays in finishing the James E. Clyburn Transportation Center. The center was announced 13 years ago for research and training in fields including mass transit and traffic engineering.

Cooper says two of the unmet requirements have to do with the need to raise about $80 million to complete the project. He says the university also must satisfy auditors that it is complying with all grant requirements.