By Lisa Marchesoni - May 15, 2007 - 5:50 PM

Bible Park USA hopes to locate in Rutherford County because it's located within a one-day drive of 75 percent of the U.S. population with direct access from two highways, the project sponsor said Tuesday.

Sponsor Armon Bar-Tur said developers have about 300 acres of land and houses under option and contract from property owners on Blackman Road near Interstate 24 and state Route 840. Concept plans call for park visitors to enter the park from the Beesley Road interchange off state Route 840 to Burnt Knob Road to Manson Court.

"This is an incredible place," Bar-Tur said of the Rutherford County location near the Interstate 24 and 840. "This is our top site."

Bible Park USA is described as a family-oriented historical, educational themed park with theaters, museums, a recording studio and indoor rides. It is non-denominational.

"It's actually a story park," Bar-Tur explained.

Bar-Tur presented a concept of Bible Park USA to elected and appointed officials and Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce board members April 13. He's meeting with small community groups, pastors, government leaders and neighbors this week to explain the project.

Also, the Tennessee Legislature is considering bills to allow the county to establish a tourist development zone.

Marcille Durham of the Ingram Group said the zone is similar to the one Williamson County used to land the Nissan headquarters.

Bar-Tur said he anticipates hiring MTSU students as seasonal workers who will learn about hospitality and entertainment skills. He hopes to draw upon MTSU's Recording and Industry Management resources for the recording studio.

It's too early to know what incentives might be expected of the county but the largest expense of roads may already be in place. The Beesley Road exit off state Route 840 and the expansion of Burnt Knob Road are already planned.

RPM Transportation Consultants is expected to do a traffic study.

The infrastructure needs for the park will be minimal compared to developing the same land with 1,000 homes where the county has to educate more students, he said.

Developers hope to buy sewer services from the city of Murfreesboro. They plan to work with the Tennessee Valley Authority to use geo-thermal energy for cooling and heating.

Bar-Tur wants the park to have a minimal impact on the surrounding community. A berm will shield the park from the neighborhood. The master planner and vendors will minimize the impact.

Terri H. Sterling of Sterling Communications said Rutherford County can expect sales tax revenues to offset property taxes.

Bar-Tur said the park would generate more retail stores, restaurants and hotels with tourism dollars. The county won't have the expense of educating children.

He expects to develop a master plan by the end of the summer and negotiate with the county to come up with an incentive package.

"This is going to be a great project," Bar-Tur said. "We want it to happen here."