Monday, December 20, 2010
Preliminary Approval For Noah's Ark Theme Park
KENTUCKY....
A group of investors looking to build a replica of Noah's Ark as part of a proposed $172 million theme park has been granted preliminary approval for state tax incentives from the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority, but an economic analysis must be done before being considered for final approval.
Mike Zovath, co-founder of the Answers in Genesis ministry that opened the Creation Museum in Kentucky three years ago, said investors are looking to build a full-scale replica of the ark on an 800-acre site in what would be an expansive theme park near Williamstown, just off Interstate 75. Investors say it could draw some 1.6 million visitors a year.
Governor Steve Beshear, who gave the proposal in a Capitol press conference earlier this month, has said he favors tax incentives for the ark park that is projected to create about 900 permanent jobs and have a $214 million economic impact in its first year of operation.
Some detractors, including Americans United for the Separation of Church and State executive director Barry Lynn, have objected to the state providing tax incentives for a project with a religious theme. Lynn said religious projects should be supported by voluntary donations, not the government.
A group of investors looking to build a replica of Noah's Ark as part of a proposed $172 million theme park has been granted preliminary approval for state tax incentives from the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority, but an economic analysis must be done before being considered for final approval.
Mike Zovath, co-founder of the Answers in Genesis ministry that opened the Creation Museum in Kentucky three years ago, said investors are looking to build a full-scale replica of the ark on an 800-acre site in what would be an expansive theme park near Williamstown, just off Interstate 75. Investors say it could draw some 1.6 million visitors a year.
Governor Steve Beshear, who gave the proposal in a Capitol press conference earlier this month, has said he favors tax incentives for the ark park that is projected to create about 900 permanent jobs and have a $214 million economic impact in its first year of operation.
Some detractors, including Americans United for the Separation of Church and State executive director Barry Lynn, have objected to the state providing tax incentives for a project with a religious theme. Lynn said religious projects should be supported by voluntary donations, not the government.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 11:13 PM 
