Bible Park Primed To Move Forward
Final Vote Months Away
POSTED: 10:32 am CDT October 3,
2008
UPDATED: 10:40 am CDT October 3,
2008
LEBANON, Tenn. -- The plan fizzled in Rutherford County, but that's not stopping the developers for the proposed Bible Park USA. They're moving forward with their proposal to build the theme park in Wilson County. 
Watch This StoryThe site is off of Interstate 40 in Lebanon. It would include areas highlighting stories from the Old and New Testaments. There would be high-tech rides and a Bible study center.According to economists hired by the developer, the non-denominational theme park would bring more than 1,800 jobs, $43 million worth of paychecks and $7 million in additional tax revenue. They said the projections are conservative.As of Thursday night, city leaders had not yet committed to an independent economic study looking at the impact of the park.Those behind the Bible Park said even though there are some tough times right now, the park is still primed to move forward.Developers said the burden is not on the taxpayer if the project fails. They maintain it would not impact bond ratings or the ability to pay off those bonds.Final votes on the project are still months away.The developer said the Bible Park plan is sound despite the fact that another park supported by one of the key players in this project just closed. The Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach filed for bankruptcy protection last month.Wyatt said he feels the location and subject matter of the Bible Park will make it immune from those troubles.
Watch This StoryThe site is off of Interstate 40 in Lebanon. It would include areas highlighting stories from the Old and New Testaments. There would be high-tech rides and a Bible study center.According to economists hired by the developer, the non-denominational theme park would bring more than 1,800 jobs, $43 million worth of paychecks and $7 million in additional tax revenue. They said the projections are conservative.As of Thursday night, city leaders had not yet committed to an independent economic study looking at the impact of the park.Those behind the Bible Park said even though there are some tough times right now, the park is still primed to move forward.Developers said the burden is not on the taxpayer if the project fails. They maintain it would not impact bond ratings or the ability to pay off those bonds.Final votes on the project are still months away.The developer said the Bible Park plan is sound despite the fact that another park supported by one of the key players in this project just closed. The Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach filed for bankruptcy protection last month.Wyatt said he feels the location and subject matter of the Bible Park will make it immune from those troubles. Copyright 2009 by WSMV.com. All rights reserved.
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