Bipartisan Hinrichsen Bill to Invest in Colorado State Fair Clears Senate

Legislation provides $4 million to update facilities, move forward on master plan 

DENVER, CO - A bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, to invest in the Colorado State Fair won Senate approval yesterday.

Cosponsored by Senator Don Coram, R-Montrose, SB22-134 provides $4 million to help implement the Colorado State Fair Master Plan, which aims to update and modernize the Colorado State Fair, including upgrading facilities, addressing a backlog of capital construction projects, expanding marketing capacity, and making the State Fair more resilient and sustainable.

“The Colorado State Fair is a Pueblo institution, and a critical economic driver for our community,” Hinrichsen said. “This bill will help provide critical funding to update the fair’s master plan, improve fairground facilities, and help ensure families can continue enjoying the Colorado State Fair for generations to come.”

According to the Master Plan, the Fair generates over $29 million annually in economic impact to the surrounding area and provides, through its 101 acres of public lands, an affordable and accessible amenity for a diverse population. A historic asset of the state, the Fairgrounds are currently facing issues common to many state fairs, including aging facilities and a backlog of building deficiencies, limited funding, competing venues and operational losses. 

SB22-134 now moves to the House for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.