ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina State University in Orangeburg is beginning construction on a transportation research center that began receiving funding a dozen years ago.
Multiple media outlets reported construction was to begin Wednesday on the first phase of the James E. Clyburn Transportation Research and Conference Center.
The school announced plans in 1998 for an $80 million center to conduct research and train workers in the transportation industry.
The first phase will include underground gasoline and diesel storage tanks, office space and training rooms.
The project has been mired in controversy as the school received funding, but had not started construction.
Several lawmakers have asked state auditors to review what South Carolina State has done with about $25 million for transportation programs.
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