Noah's Ark project taking shape in northern Kentucky

WILLIAMSTOWN, Ky. (WDRB) -- The developers are calling it America's next big tourist attraction, and now the controversial $86 million replica of Noah's Ark is taking shape in northern Kentucky.

The event was delayed -- ironically -- by a rainstorm, but the developers of the Ark Encounter were able to show off the progress they're making on the project.

As the wood frame begins to take shape, you can see the massive scope. When it's finished, the Ark will be 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet high.

The man behind the project says it will be the biggest wood-framed structure in the world.

"What we're doing today is building this timber-framed building to the specifications of the size of the Ark that are in the Bible," said Ken Ham, founder of Answers in Genesis.

Ham estimates the Ark will have a $4 billion economic impact for the state over the next 10 years.

"I would say, outside of the big guys, like Universal and Disney, this is going to be one of the biggest attractions in America," he said.

Ham says that's why the ongoing dispute over tax incentives is so frustrating.

State officials first approved, then denied $18 million in sales tax rebates.

Gov. Steve Beshear expressed concern about providing public funds for a religious purpose.

"They've given it to Kentucky Kingdom, and the Speedway, and many other places, too. They just denied it to us because we're Christian. That's the bottom line," said Ham.

"I've appealed to the governor personally and asked him to change his mind, and it's a credit to Ken Ham and his team that the plan is to go ahead," said Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown) who attended the tour.

The dispute has not affected construction. The wood segments are being hoisted into place like a giant erector set, using Amish craftsmen.

"They've been able to put together Amish crews from across many states. They work well together as a team. They're used to working together as a team," said Ham.

It is indeed a project of biblical proportions.

"It gives you a greater appreciation for what Noah did. It was obviously an enormous task," said Ham.

The Ark will be finished sometime next summer. In the meantime, tourists can buy a ticket to watch the construction in progress.