MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- The Bible theme park proposed for Rutherford County cleared a significant hurdle on Wednesday at a packed house meeting.

Video: Proposed Bible Park Clears Hurdle

Members of the Rutherford County Industrial Board decided that the proposed theme park is eligible for tax increment financing of up to $18 million.

"It allows us to benefit from the incremental taxes that we generate, not that the county generates," said Bible park developer Armon Bartur.

The vote does not mean the county automatically approves the financing, just that this project qualifies. The for-profit Bible Park is planned for 288 acres of mostly farmland on Blackman Road.

The project will include a Gallilean Village, museum and recording studio.

Bible Park USA's developers estimate that 1.5 million people will visit every year. This is one of the reasons some nearby property owners oppose it.

"Nobody wants all that noise and ugly going on. We bought (a house here) because it's a quiet, peaceful area," said neighbor Don Hadley.

However, an economic impact study done at the University of Tennessee said there won't be much impact on property owners and said the project could create as many as 4,000 jobs. Positions would be created for construction workers, employees at six new hotels and 20 eateries.

Still, some have said that using public money for a Christian-based park is unconstitutional.

"You cannot use taxpayer money to support a specific religion," said Bible park opponent Wesley Henley.

The developers still have some obstacles they face before construction can begin. The financing package has to be approved by the full county commission. There's a planning commission meeting scheduled for Thursday.

The project is expected to add between $150 and $175 million to the tax rolls.

Watch Channel 4 News tonight. Reporter Nancy Amons will talk about exactly what is planned for the park and why some residents expect a legal challenge.