USC Aiken to get $2.8 million from stimulus

COLUMBIA --- The University of South Carolina Aiken will receive $2.8 million over the next two years as a result of the state Supreme Court's forcing the governor to accept almost $700 million in federal stimulus money.

Gov. Mark Sanford requested the stimulus cash Monday, telling the U.S. education secretary he's doing so under duress and that the money will create more problems.

"In simplest form, this stimulus represents forcing taxpayers of tomorrow to pay for government services of today," the Republican wrote in his cover letter. He also called the stimulus act "a monumentally terrible idea."

As for how the money will be spent, USC Aiken spokeswoman Jennifer Conner said university officials are still comparing their list of needs with the allowable uses for the money.

"It is primarily to plug budget holes and prevent layoffs," said RJ Shealy, a spokesman for the state comptroller general.

Of the $694 million the state is receiving, 82 percent goes to K-12 and higher education. The amount is a portion of the $2.8 billion designated for South Carolina from the federal stimulus package.

State Education Department spokesman Jim Foster said the U.S. Education Department has been sending money to states within about 10 days of receiving stimulus requests, though South Carolina can't use the money before the new budget takes effect July 1.

More important than the money is the assurance it gives public schools that had been holding off on budget decisions as the stimulus fight played out.

Associated Press reports were used in this article.

Reach Sarita Chourey at (803) 727-4257 or sarita.chourey@morris.com.