State funding for Ark Encounter theme park on hold
Kentucky lawmakers say they will not approve tax incentives for a proposed Noah’s Ark theme park until the park’s hiring policies comply with state and federal laws.
‘Serious concerns’ were raised by a job ad for an Ark Encounter position which asked candidates to provide a salvation testimony, a creation belief statement, and to comply with the ‘statement of faith’ of Ark Encounter’s parent company, Answers in Genesis.
‘We are not prepared to move forward with consideration of the application for final approval without the assurance of Ark Encounter LLC that it will not discriminate in any way on the basis of religion in hiring,’ said Bob Stewart, secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, in a letter to Ark Encounter’s legal representatives.
"The Commonwealth does not provide incentives to any company that discriminates on the basis of religion and we will not make any exception for Ark Encounter LLC’.
Ark Encounter attorney James Parsons responded, saying the job posting was for work at the parent company and not Ark Encounter, an answer subsequently disputed by Kentucky Tourism.
Tax incentives were approved for the controversial project in July, which could amount to $18.25 million if economic performance targets are met over the first decade of operation.
The theme park’s first phase will cost $73 million and will feature a 510-feet replica of the Ark.
Parent company Answers in Genesis also operates the Creation Museum.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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