Auditor Scolds Education Dept. Over Construction Projects

Associated Press -- Missouri Auditor Susan Montee says the Department of Higher Education should have been more involved in picking projects for a college construction program.  Montee's office released an audit today focused on a 2007 plan for the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority to sell assets to pay for college construction. The student loan agency has fallen behind on payments and some projects have been put on hold.  The auditor says the higher education department should have been more involved in picking the construction projects and deciding which to delay when funding fell short.  In a written response, the state Office of Administration says the department was consulted but the Legislature and governor are responsible for the funding decisions.