Governor Polis Pledges $10,000 for Airport Dinosaur
The state funding supports a campaign to install a 45-foot brachiosaurus fossil casting at Grand Junction Regional Airport.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Governor Jared Polis has pledged $10,000 toward the Bring Our Brach Home project, which aims to display a 45-foot brachiosaurus fossil at the Grand Junction Regional Airport. The initiative honors the regional history of the first brachiosaurus discovery made by Elmer S. Riggs.
Why it matters
The installation seeks to celebrate the paleontological history of the Redlands area while enhancing the public space at a major regional transit hub. It highlights state-level support for cultural and historically themed art projects.
The fundraising campaign has secured $250,000 toward its $850,000 goal, marking an increase from $185,000 reported last month. The planned 45-foot-tall casting will eventually be owned by the Museums of Western Colorado.
The players
Jared Polis
He is the Governor of Colorado who supports state initiatives for public art and historical education.
Elmer S. Riggs
He was a paleontologist known for his discovery of the first brachiosaurus skeleton in the Redlands area.
Museums of Western Colorado
This organization preserves the regional history of Colorado and will serve as the owner of the new fossil casting.
The details
The project involves the creation and assembly of a large-scale fossil casting to be permanently displayed at the airport. This installation recognizes the original brachiosaurus discovery made by Elmer S. Riggs in the Redlands area during the early 1900s.
Timeline
Early 1900s: Elmer S. Riggs discovers the first brachiosaurus fossil.
August 1, 2026: Plans for the fossil installation are announced.
September 2026: Organizers report reaching $185,000 in funds.
October 20, 2026: Governor Polis provides remarks at the airport.
2028: The project is tentatively scheduled to reach completion.
Market Landscape
This project fits into a broader trend of state-supported, historically themed art installations designed to foster regional identity. It mirrors previous state efforts to integrate cultural markers into public transit infrastructure.
The public can expect to see a significant shift in the airport terminal aesthetics as the project moves toward its 2028 completion date. The installation aims to provide an educational landmark for the 650,000 travelers passing through the airport annually.
The takeaway
Large-scale cultural projects often rely on a combination of state support and private fundraising to meet significant financial goals. Donors and residents can monitor the project progress through the Museums of Western Colorado as it moves toward the 2028 target.
What happens next
The project is currently active and is tentatively scheduled for completion in 2028.
Further reading
For more information on community initiatives, visit Grand Junction Philanthropy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel.
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