CEDAR FALLS – The Board of Regents has approved a $53 million plan to renovate recreational facilities at Iowa State University.

The plan calls for implementing the largest yearly student fee increase in ISU’s history. Students approved the project in a referendum in February, endorsing a fee of $20 per semester for two years beginning in 2010. The fee then jumps to $107 per semester in 2012 and will last for 23 years.

Regents gave final approval on Thursday in Cedar Falls, but not before questioning ISU officials on how they ran the campus vote in February.

Critics accused ISU officials of having exclusive access to early voting totals. University officials admitted Thursday it was not a good idea.