ARK PROJECT
Petersburg, Ky., Feb. 15, 2012—Passing another significant milestone, the Ark Encounter, LLC, closed today on the last and largest piece of land for its planned development on an 800-acre site in Williamstown, Ky., off Interstate 75 (south of Cincinnati). Under the direction of Answers in Genesis (AiG), a full-scale Noah’s Ark will be constructed as the featured attraction at the Ark Encounter. Research indicates the Ark Encounter will draw well over a million people in its first year.
 |
News Release |
 |
Gov. Steve Beshear of Kentucky to Announce Major
New Tourist Attraction in Northern Kentucky
Ark Encounter Acquiring Land, Constructing Project
WHAT:
The Ark Encounter LLC, partnering with Answers in Genesis (builders of the
Creation Museum in Kentucky), will join Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear
to announce plans for a new tourist attraction for northern Kentucky
(south of Cincinnati).
WHO:
• Governor Steve Beshear of Kentucky
• Cary Summers, consultant to the Ark Encounter; president and CEO of Nehemiah Group
• Mike Zovath, senior vice president of AiG and head of the Creation Museum project
• Grant County Judge/Executive Darrell Link
WHEN:
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010
9:30 am. EST
WHERE:
Press Room (Room 110; east end of the Capitol)
Capitol Building
700 Capital Avenue (Room 110)
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
DETAILS:
Ark Encounter and Answers in Genesis representatives will be on hand for
interviews after the press conference. Press information with more details
about the project will also be available onsite. To request an interview following
the press conference, please contact Melany Ethridge at 214.912.8934 or
via email at Melany@alarryross.com. Website to launch soon.
For more information:
USA Today
Channel 9
Channel 12
Channel 5
MSNBC
Ark Encounter
ABC News
|
Sites for more information |
|
|
May 19, 2011 |
|
Tourism Development Finance Authority Approves Ark Encounter Project in Grant County
FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority met today and gave final or preliminary approval to several tourism and film projects.
The authority considers applications under the Kentucky Tourism Development Act, which allows eligible tourism attractions a rebate of sales tax up to 25 percent of project capitol costs over a 10 year period. Projects must meet certain criteria to be eligible such as having a positive economic impact for the Commonwealth and the rebate is based on performance.
The authority gave final approval to plans by Ark Encounter, LCC for a theme park in Grant County with an investment of $172.5 million. The maximum incentive available would be $43.125 million over 10 years. The incentives come from the sales tax generated by the project.
The authority heard a report from Hunden Strategic Partners that showed the Ark Encounter project met the criteria of the Kentucky Tourism Development Act, which includes requirements that the project attract at least 25 percent of visitors from outside the state by the fourth year of operation and that it has a positive impact on the Kentucky economy.
The report also said the net fiscal impact on the state would be between $64.6 million and $119 million over 10 years in sales and income tax above and beyond the incentive, depending upon several variables on the projected attendance.
The authority also:
- Gave preliminary approval to Bryant Downtown Hotel, LLC, for the development of a 150-room Hilton Garden Inn hotel planned for downtown Owensboro that would be connected to the proposed convention center. The investment is $20.3 million and the maximum incentive would be just over $5 million.
- Approved the cost certification for Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville.
The authority also reviews applications under the Kentucky Film & Entertainment Industry Incentive Program. This incentive provides approved productions the ability to earn a refundable income tax credit equal to 20 percent of their production expenditures in the state. It applies to films, television programs, commercials, documentaries and Broadway plays slated for national tours.
The authority:
- Approved plans for a feature film by Boo Partners, LLC, with expenditures of just over $1 million.
February 18, 2011
The Ark Encounter is awaiting the Economic Incentive Study being performed by the State of Kentucky. Property can not be purchased until its completion.
Art Encounter states on their web site, February 18, 2011: `The Ark is being built on a beautiful rolling terrain site just off Interstate I-75, about 40 interstate miles from the Creation Museum in northern Kentucky (near Cincinnati). God willing and as the financial support is provided, this spectacular reminder to the world is planned to open in the spring of 2014.'
|