LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Gov. Steve Beshear recently sent a letter urging the Kentucky State Fair Board to decide what will become of the property that was once occupied by Kentucky Kingdom.
Although developer Ed Hart -- who originally operated Kentucky Kingdom before Six Flags took over -- has submitted a second proposal, Fair Board President and CEO Harold Workman says he can't discuss it until other proposals have been received.
"Obviously I have looked at it, Workman said. "I can't really comment on it because he'll need to respond to the proper process, that being the RFP (request for proposals) that will be issued next week."
As for people who have accused the Fair Board and other state officials of being opposed to working with Hart, Workman says that's not the case.
"I've known Ed a long time," Hart said. "I worked with him very closely when he operated the park before and really drove it from an 8-acre park to a 60-acre park that you see there today even though it's closed. So there's no vendetta of any kind. We're looking for the best operator."
Workman says he expects a "strong proposal" from Hart.
Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson says he and Gov. Beshear are "committed to doing everything we can to ensure that that piece of property is productive. Right now we're going to go out there once and for all to see what's out there in terms of interest to invest in a park -- if that is still a viable option. Obviously, the people up in Holiday World didn't think it was a viable option."
Abramson says the goal is to reopen a theme park if at all possible.
"We're going to see what we can do and if, in fact, it doesn't play out and it doesn't make sense, then we'll have to look for other alternatives in terms of how to use that property, but right now the focus is on trying to reopen the amusement park," Abramson said.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer says there's a lot going on behind the scenes.
"The process obviously is getting in place," Fischer said. "I have heard a little talk on the streets from various folks that are hearing about operators from around the country, and of course we've got a local group that's interested in it as well."
Fischer says the city wants the park to reopen as soon as possible.
"We'd just like to see a good, strong operator come in and let's get it open as soon as possible," Fischer said. "It's great for tourism and it's great for jobs too."
The Fair Board will issue official requests for proposals next week.
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Harold Workman
