510-foot-long wooden Noah's Ark stays afloat with court ruling
ark-encounter-wallpaper-lumber-construction.jpg

Photo By Ark Encounter

WILLIAMSTOWN, Ky. -- A recent U.S. district court ruling buoys plans for the July 7, 2016 opening of the $91 million Ark Encounter theme park in Williamstown, Kentucky, featuring one of the largest replicas of Noah's Ark. The 510-foot-long, four-stories-high wooden boat will be one of the park's top attractions.

The company behind the project, Answers in Genesis (AiG) became embroiled in legal battles over tax rebate incentives after the state rescinded the religious company's participation in the Kentucky Tourism Development Program based on its use of religious criteria in hiring practices. Close to $18 million was at stake, according to the Wall Street Journal. AiG later sued citing the decision as a violation of its First Amendment rights. A U.S. district court judge affirmed their argument in a recent ruling.

News
Big Wood Boats: Noah Puts Ever Popular Ark Projects in Spotlight
Ancient, wooden boats are hot: Take a look at the Noah's Ark replicas showing up all over including in the controversial, box office hit "Noah." It is one of several projects over the past few years focusing on this popular biblical story.


The federal court found “that the Commonwealth’s exclusion of AiG from participating in the program for the reasons stated – i.e., on the basis of AiG’s religious beliefs, purpose, mission, message, or conduct, is a violation of AiG’s rights under the First Amendment to the federal Constitution” (p.70). The judge ordered the state to move forward in processing AiG’s application for the available tax rebate incentives that would become effective after the Ark opens and is operating.

Over $90 million has been raised for land purchase, infrastructure, exhibit construction, plus the building of the park’s centerpiece: the massive recreation of Noah’s Ark.

 

Have something to say? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Profile picture for user michaellebradford
About the author
Michaelle Bradford | Editor

Michaelle Bradford, CCI Media, is Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine and Woodworking Network editor. She has more than 20 years of experience covering the woodworking and design industry, including visits to custom cabinet shops, closet firms and design studios throughout North America. As Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine under the Woodworking Network brand, Michaelle’s responsibilities include writing, editing, and coordinating editorial content as well as managing annual design competitions like the Top Shelf Design Awards. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media.