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[Note: This material is copyright by KWWL-TV7, 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 KWWL-TV7.]

Riverside's rainforest dreams...are dead.

And it's the talk of the town.

Many are disappointed.

Most are just happy a city was finally selected.

"I thought it'd be done about six months ago. It's nice it's done so we can move forward with other projects," says Riverside business owner Jerry Murphy.

"I was kinda hoping it would come here. Some place close for me to come see you know," says Jeff Nelson in Riverside.

Earthpark officials say they didn't pick Riverside due to uncertainty over local funding, lack of community support and a proposed site smaller than Pella's.

Developers with the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort wanted to put the combination rainforest, aquarium and education center just across the street near a sand pit.

But several Earthpark board members thought a casino so close might send the wrong message.

"That was considered, it was an issue in the minds of some but not all of the board," says Earthpark Executive Director David Oman.

"Some of the biggest concerns for Riverside was infastructure, was financing," says Riverside Mayor Bill Poch.

Poch thinks all the questions raised by city leaders is the biggest reason Earthpark located elsewhere.

"I think if they had allowed more time to answer some of the questions we were trying to have answered, they would have found out the council would have voted in favor of the project," Poch says.

City leaders insist Riverside will be a major tourist destination even without Earthpark. This sandpit will soon be home to hotels, a shopping district, Wisconsin Dells style waterpark, and an aphitheater like you'd find in Branson, Missouri.

But the projects will now be delayed until developers can find a new feature attraction.

Some say the Earthpark decision, perhaps, is a blessing in disguise.

"I think there will be businesses there that produce tax revenue and now the city or county doesn't have to worry about the money issue -- where it comes from, how to get it," says Murphy.

Now the project proceeds in Pella...set to open in 2010.

Earthpark still has not announced full financing for the project, which would draw an estimated million visitors a year.