N.D. board won't approve presidents house projects

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — The state Board of Higher Education says the cost of new presidents' houses at North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota shows poor management and it will review both projects.

The board had authorized $900,000 for each home. NDSU officials say the bill for its project has climbed to $1.47 million because of higher than expected construction and overtime costs. UND's construction costs were nearly $23,000 over budget.

Both homes are being financed with private money.

Board members, meeting Thursday in Grand Forks, criticized nearly $370,000 for furnishings and landscaping for the NDSU house and more than $200,000 for the UND house. Most of it would come from school budgets but board members say school officials should have given them more information.

The board refused to approve the house plans and referred them to its budget and finance committee.

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