University of Nebraska officials are defending their fundraising for a $323 million cancer center in the wake of criticism by Gov. Dave Heineman.

Nebraska Medical Center Chancellor Harold Maurer said Friday that fundraisers will collect $60 million in private donations to match $50 million in state aid. That will cover a $110 million research tower in Omaha, which is part of the larger project.

Maurer says the university intends to pay for the rest of the project with public and private support, and debt.

Heineman says he signed a funding bill for the cancer tower with the understanding that it would only be matched with private donations. Maurer says the university is honoring that commitment, but will use local government money to help pay for a cancer hospital and clinics.