The AUSA Senate and the Board of Contingency last night allocated $50,000 for the renovation of Pioneer Place and allocated $192,923 to student “licensed fundable” groups.

Senator Christopher Gomez announced that the Senate’s Board of Contingency allocated $30,000 for Pioneer Place and the Senate later voted to approve a funding bill which will allocate an additional $20,000 for the project.

The preliminary draft estimate for the project total is $150,000. The difference is expected to come from donors and from administration, which according to Todd Olson, director and associate dean of Campus Living, is committed to the project.

The initial phase of renovation of Pioneer Place calls for new furniture, Internet access, better lighting, shades on the windows, plants, a counter with barstools and stair modification. The renovation, called Pioneer Plan, is expected to bring a net gain of at least 20-24 seats.

The finance allocations for 2002-2003 were also passed at the meeting. The Senate allocated $192,923 to 37 licensed fundable groups. Alpine Club received $36,370, AUSA Senate received $22,475, Greek Council received $18,550 and Black Student Alliance received $9,000. The Senate has $61,514 remaining for club appeals and club sports.

The Student Organization Committee recommended that club sports be licensed fundable on a probationary status. After some debate the Senate voted in favor of the SOC’s recommendation.

President Stacey Porto announced that Julia Butterfly Hill will speak in Driscoll Ballroom on April 26.

The Finance Committee allocations were as follows: