Bismarck, N.D. (AP) Dakota The Duckbilled Dinosaur might have found permanent digs in Bismarck.
State Historical Society Director Merl Paaverud says officials have reached a $3 million deal to keep the rare mummified fossil on display at the North Dakota heritage center.
Paaverud says the deal means that the state can begin to pursue fundraising. He says the money must be raised within four years "or the deal is off.''
Paaverud says he's optimistic the money can be raised from private donations.
Tyler Lyson discovered the dinosaur on his uncle's ranch in southwestern North Dakota in 1999.
Researchers say Dakota is one of the most important dinosaur discoveries in recent times. The petrified beast has been the subject of a children's book and an adult book, and National Geographic television programs.