University of Texas System ends plan for campus in Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The University of Texas System has ended plans to launch a campus in Houston, officials said.

UT System Chancellor William McRaven said in a press release that the decision was based on the project "overshadowing the extraordinary work under way on the 14 campuses of the UT System and he did not wish to do anything that could detract from the advancement of UT institutions and their presidents' visions."

He also accepted responsibility for the failed project.

"I also offer my deepest apology to those members of the Houston Task Force who selflessly dedicated countless hours to develop a bold vision for the future of UT's investment in Houston. I am incredibly appreciative for their support and friendship throughout this process. While we will not implement this plan in Houston, I am confident that some of the great ideas that emerged from the Task Force will be worth considering on other UT campuses," McRaven said in a release.

McRaven also recommended that the UT System develop a plan to divest the land.

In response to the announcement, University of Houston's Board of Regents say they were pleased with the announcement.

UH's Tilman Fertitta released the following statement:

The University of Houston is pleased that UT is not expanding in Houston. This was a group effort by elected leaders, our Board of Regents, our administration and supporters to stand our ground against an unnecessary duplication of resources that didn't align with the state's plan for higher education.