The state Department of Higher Education should have been more involved in picking projects for a college construction program and choosing what to delay when money ran short, according to a review released Wednesday by the state auditor's office.
Auditor Susan Montee urged elected state officials to work closely with the Department of Higher Education to determine what future construction projects would most help Missouri's colleges. Montee's audit also urged state officials to ensure funding is available before allowing future building projects to proceed.
The review found that three priority construction projects for the Higher Education Department were not included in the construction plan but that it did include 16 that were not considered a priority by the school or department.
The audit focused on a 2007 plan that called for the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority to sell assets and transfer $350 million over six years to the state. Of that, more than $300 million was to go for construction at four-year colleges and universities, $24 million was for community colleges and $15 million was for the Missouri Technology Corporation to attract high-tech companies.