LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- The group building a Noah's Ark-themed tourism attraction in northern Kentucky says it has purchased the final tract of land for the project but that a sluggish economy has hurt fundraising and the park is still years away from being built.
The Christian ministry Answers in Genesis is directing the construction of the 500-foot ark that is the first phase of the proposed $150 million Ark Encounter. The group also built the popular Creation Museum near Cincinnati.
The project manager says the last 556-acre tract is in hand. The entire site is 800 acres set on rolling farmland.
Answers in Genesis also is asking followers for about $24 million in donations to help build the massive ark. Organizers say about $5 million has been raised so far and that fundraising has slowed.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
