Here’s the official press release from the KY governor’s office:

Governor Steve Beshear’s Communications Office Governor Beshear, Ark Encounter Announce Plans to Build a Full-Scale Noah’s Ark
Press Release Date: Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Contact Information: Kerri Richardson
Jill Midkiff

“Ark Encounter” to employ 900, expected to draw 1.6 million visitors in first year

FRANKFORT, Ky.— Governor Steve Beshear today joined the Ark Encounter LLC to announce the planned construction of a full-scale Noah’s Ark tourist attraction in northern Kentucky. Partnering with the Ark Encounter is Answers in Genesis, which is most widely known for its high-tech and popular Creation Museum in Petersburg, Ky.

“We are excited to join with the Ark Encounter group as it seeks to provide this unique, family-friendly tourist attraction to the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “Bringing new jobs to Kentucky is my top priority, and with the estimated 900 jobs this project will create, I am happy about the economic impact this project will have on the Northern Kentucky region.”

The Ark Encounter is scheduled to open in spring 2014 in northern Kentucky. Multiple sites are being considered, although property in Grant County off I-75 is at the top of the list. A feasibility study conducted by the renowned America’s Research Group has indicated that the Ark Encounter may attract 1.6 million visitors in the first year and is expected to employ up to 900 full- and part-time staff.

The for-profit Ark Encounter project will be privately funded at an estimated cost of $150 million. The final site selection for the Ark Encounter is subject to the ability to acquire all of the land needed for the project, and the approval of certain state and local incentives and other assistance for the project.

Continues.

We’re now looking at state sanctioned religion in Kentucky. Also not that the link to the Answer’s in Genesis website for Ark Encounter, LLC.