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[Note: This material is copyright by KCCI-TV8, and is reproduced here as a matter of "fair use" for non-commercial, educational purposes only. Any other use may require the prior approval of KCCI-TV8.]

Pella and Riverside are the two finalists vying for the $155 million project. There are more details about the park's potential economic impact to the state.

The proposed park would be similar to an indoor greenhouse. England has a similar site called the Eden Project. Pella wants Earthpark.

In five years, the Eden Project pumped $1.25 billion into the British economy. Pella developers are optimistic about the potential economic boon.

"Pella really offers, we think, the strongest package for Earthpark for a variety of reasons," said Pella project spokesman Eric Woolson.

Developers have carved out an area on the shores of Lake Red Rock for the $155 million dream, and they have lined up financing.

"It's an area that understands tourism. It's an area that's got a lot of natural beauty, and it's an area, frankly, that's got a lot more economic development potential," Woolson said.

Earthpark's board has a computer-generated mockup of the plan. In three weeks, they will meet to choose where it will be built.

"We hope to come out of that with a decision and a location for this project for the future," said David Oman of Earthpark.

England's Eden Project has attracted 8 million visitors and tourist dollars in the venue's first five years.

"We've put, to our knowledge, up to April, around 750 million (British) pounds. That's about $1.26 billion additional spent in the local economy. So, it's had a huge effect," said John Ellison of the Eden Project.

Representatives from England are in Iowa in an effort to help Earthpark get off the ground.

"From all I've seen from Earthpark, it looks to me as if they can pull off the same trick," Ellison said.

First the project needs a home, and Pella is confident it will host the park.

"I think when all's said and done, Pella's going to be the last community standing, and that's just the way it should be," Woolson said.

Both Pella and Riverside have had to drum up $25 million in local money toward the Earthpark, but the cities plan on that investment paying off in jobs and tourism income.

Earthpark organizers have set Earth Day 2010 as its target grand-opening date.