Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The University of South Carolina has received tentative approval to build a $50 million football training facility after agreeing to reduce fees for in-state students.

A legislative panel advanced the project Tuesday, with stipulations set by the Commission on Higher Education.

One requires the university to reduce athletic fees charged to students from South Carolina by $1 million annually for 10 years. That's $69 yearly for a full-time student.

The university also agreed to cut the debt by $14 million using donations. If fundraising falls short, the money must come from uniform provider Under Armour and media contracts.

Legislators criticized the amount as arbitrary. They also questioned whether students would see any savings.

Rick Kelly with university finances says trustees are likely to increase athletic fees for out-of-state students.

(Copyright 2016. The Associated Press.)