UM athletic fee increase wins OK

KALISPELL — The state Board of Regents has approved an increase in athletic fees for University of Montana students to fund a new softball program.

The Missoulian reports students will see $12.50 added to their fee in each of the next two years.

Montana President Royce Engstrom says the increased revenue will be used to help the university stay in compliance with federal gender equity laws by adding a women's softball team.

Engstrom estimates the new team would cost about $700,000 a year and the new fee will fully fund the program.