Return to Nicholas Johnson's Iowa Rain Forest ("Earthpark") Web Site

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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.]

We probably won't find out where Earthpark finally decides to locate until next month.

But Thursday night, city leaders here in Riverside took a real serious look at whether or not to support this project.

Most folks in Riverside are impressed with plans for a $155 million indoor rain forest and aquarium. Developers want to put it on land across the road from a new casino that opens later this month.

Earthpark Executive Director David Oman laid out project plans for the riverside city council one last time. Oman expects the project will have a $130 million a year economic impact on the area.  But council members still have plenty of questions...and concerns.

For the project to happen in riverside, the city must come up with $25 million. Riverside Casino and Golf Resort came forward with $12 million and suggested another $8 million come from the casino's non-profit group.  That leaves $5 million to be raised locally.  One council member says that's not possible.

The indoor rainforest was originally planned for Coralville, until Earthpark and city leaders failed to agree on a land deal.  David Oman does not want to commit to Riverside, and have something similar happen.

If Earthpark locates in Riverside, it's estimated more than two million tourists a year will make their way to the Eastern Iowa town.