February 1, 2002

Land-Grant Colleges Consider Cuts or New Fees for Extension Efforts

By SARA HEBEL

As state economies worsen, some land-grant universities are charging user fees for or curtailing extension programs that have served rural areas for nearly a century.

In some states, the actions have raised the ire of rural lawmakers, who warn that the budget savings might have political costs.

Many programs at public colleges may be at risk at a time when states are providing a steadily declining portion of their budgets. But the outreach programs are particularly vulnerable