Survival of the Righteous? Creationism Museum in Kentucky Showered With Tax Breaks

There is an interesting story in Kentucky about a series of generous tax breaks given to a Bible-themed amusement park, Ark Encounter. The creationist museum is evolving into a heavily subsidized endeavor despite the absence of any independent study to support its projected profits and employment figures.

ThinkProgress and TPM have been following the story. Kentucky has approved a $43 million tax break for Ark Encounter plus a 75 percent property tax discount over the next 30 years. In addition the company received almost $200,000 from Grant County’s economic development office along with 100 acres of reduced-price land. There is also a promise of $40 million worth of sales tax rebates and a possible $11 million in improvements to the interstate near the project.

There is concern that the religious content of the project is generating this level of incredible support. While Gov. Steve Beshear (D) insists that the project will create up to 900 jobs and attract 1.6 million tourists in its first year. That is based on a feasibility study, commissioned by Ark Encounters LLC — and state officials reportedly have never reviewed the report.

By the way, Kentucky already as a Creationism Museum but it appears that this is survival of the most creationist.