(a) Annual appropriations not to exceed in total one per cent of the total General Fund appropriation for the preceding year for the constituent units of the state system of higher education shall be made to said constituent units to support centers of excellence recommended for funding pursuant to section 10a-25j . The amount of funds going to any one constituent unit annually shall not exceed one per cent of the General Fund appropriation for such unit in the preceding year.
(b) The constituent units of the state system of higher education, not including Charter Oak State College, are authorized to solicit, receive and maintain funds from private sources to be used for the centers of excellence.