After a lengthy discussion, the GSB senate voted Wednesday to provide the $32,000 required to fund the ball return system at the bowling alley in the Memorial Union Underground.

Senators had concerns about funding the upgrades, so an amendment was passed that eliminated providing funds for the new scoring software. The total cost of the project would come to $32,000.

Senators had a variety of ideas regarding the consequences of funding the updates of the Memorial Union.

“It would be hard to find a place on campus more student-centric than the Memorial Union Underground,” said Engineering Senator Dan Finnegan, junior in aerospace engineering, in support of funding the system.

Some senators raised concerns about whether the upgrades would in fact raise student usage of the facilities. George Micalone, director of student activities at the Memorial Union, mentioned the aesthetic improvement to the space, calling it a point of interest for students who use the space. Off-campus Senator Jacob Johnston, senior in management, noted that a new ball-return system and new software would not increase usage of the Underground bowling alley.

Micalone admitted the ball-return system was not the top priority. The pin-setting system is not in proper working order, although it is functional. However, the pin-setting system requires funds totaling $200,000. The Memorial Union does not have sufficient capital to fund the system.

Other senators were in support of funding the upgrades. Business Senator Elisa Berzins, junior in marketing, mentioned that a bill was recently passed in senate about supporting the Memorial Union and taking pride in an ISU landmark.

Also discussed at Wednesday’s meeting were student organizations’ special allocations. A total of five organizations missed the regular allocations process and requested funds totaling $6,546.46.

David Ackerman, graduate student in chemistry and treasurer of ISU Flying Cyclones, spoke at the meeting and informed the senate about what exactly the organization does — such as going on skydiving trips and learning about aviation — and why it should receive the money it requested. Ackerman mentioned the need for equipment to enhance the organization — like a GPS system, an important tool for pilots. Funding for a GPS system was not requested during the regular allocation process and he said the expense as an important investment, as well as an unforeseen expense, because of an upsurge of new members vying for pilot’s licenses. Having the GPS system is an issue of safety for these new members, Ackerman said. The senate voted in favor of granting the student organizations the amount of money they requested.

Senate debate on whether this expense was imperative resulted in the bill being recommitted back to finance committee for further discussion.