Back in 2010, Answers in Genesis announced they will build a theme park called an 'Ark Encounter'. The park is designed to feature a full-scale model of Noah's Ark. The project is to be constructed in Louisville, Kentucky.
Tax breaks for the theme park was supported by Kentucky governor Steve Beshear. The project received preliminary approval back in July for almost $20 million in tax rebates.
Answers in Genesis however has to now fight for said tax breaks.
On December 10, Tourism Secretary Bob Steward claimed the project evolved from a tourist spot into a Christian project.
Steward claimed in a letter to Answers in Genesis' attorneys that "State tourism tax incentives cannot be used to fund religious indoctrination."
Answers in Genesis, the group behind the Ark Encounter project, is a nonprofit subsidiary of Answers in Genesis, a Kentucky-based Christian ministry. It's the same ministry that runs the famous Creation Museum.
Groundbreaking was set to occur back in 2011 but, because of certain setbacks, construction was scheduled to begin this year instead. Problems raising funds and a declining popularity of the Creation Museum may have caused the construction delays.
Answers in Genesis VP for Outreach Mark Looy replied via email that the ministry will be discussing their options with their attorneys.