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Video: Ad Says Rainforest Is Waste Of Money, http://www.kcci.com/news/10160032/detail.html

[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.]

The Iowa indoor rainforest project called Earthpark that's slated for Pella is being called a waste of money by Democratic candidate Chet Culver in a new campaign ad.

In the ad, Culver criticizes his opponent, Republican candidate Jim Nussle, for voting to give $50 million in federal money to the rainforest.

The new Culver campaign advertisement just hit the airwaves.

Those behind the Earthpark said they are disappointed to see Culver take a stance on the project that was approved for Pella a month ago.

"It should be a non-political issue now. It's done. It's happened and I think we should move forward and help Pella out in any way that we can to make sure that project works," Allen said.

Newton's mayor, Newton Chaz Allen, has been a big proponent of Earthpark. He saw the Newton Speedway rise out of a dream to spur economic development in an area hit hard by the loss of Maytag.

"In this region, you know, the rising tide will raise all boats, and we're looking at the Earthpark, the speedway and over in Altoona, you've got Prairie Meadows and Adventureland. It's a great tourist attraction and all that project will do will just bolster our area," Allen said.

Culver criticized Nussle for voting to appropriate Earthpark funds while the country has a $260 billion debt.

"Actually, the rainforest received the award for the biggest pork barrel project in the country last year," Culver said.

Just like the speedway, those who support Earthpark say it's not about the money spent, but what it will bring in, an estimated $130 million a year.

"I think it's important that we do not waste the taxpayer's money and that is what it boils down to," Culver said.

Earthpark is expected to create 500 construction jobs and 150 permanent jobs.

Nussle's campaign points out that Sens. Tom Harkin and Charles Grassley also approved the money for the rainforest and it was part of a package funding local law enforcement, education and veterans' medical bills.

Not all the funding is yet in place for the project. Planner said they are hoping to raise private funding and get $20 million in Vision Iowa money, which would need to be approved by the legislature.

"They can still move forward. There's nothing stopping them," he said.

Construction is scheduled to begin next year, Earthpark's opening is set for 2010.