Noah’s Ark clears first big hurdle

Associated Press

FRANKFORT, Ky.

A group of investors looking to build a replica of Noah’s Ark as part of a proposed $172 million theme park cleared its first bureaucratic hurdle recently.

The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority granted preliminary approval for state tax incentives for the project. An economic analysis must be done before being considered for final approval.

“Actually, all we’re doing is saying, ‘Go do your study and bring it back to us,’” said Darrel BeShears, a member of the financing panel.

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 in what would be an expansive theme park that could draw some 1.6 million visitors a year.

Investors are considering an 800-acre site near Williamstown.

The project would include an ancient walled city, a petting zoo, live animal shows and a replica of the biblical Tower of Babel.