Earthpark
Encyclopedia
Earthpark is a proposed best-in-class educational facility with indoor rain forest and aquarium elements, and a mission of "inspiring generations to learn from the natural world." It was previously called the Environmental Project.
Earthpark was to be located around Lake Red Rock
, near the town of Pella, Iowa
. In December 2007, federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for the Pella location was rescinded. Proposals from a variety of potential hosts, some outside of Iowa are being considered.
, the original planned location of Earthpark, ended in 2006. The project then found a new home in Pella, Iowa
. but that did not become a reality. A similar project exists in Cornwall, England, called The Eden Project.
The Earthpark project was expected to employ 150 people directly and create an additional 2000 indirect jobs. The economic impact was estimated to be $130 million USD annually. The park was projected to draw 1 million visitors annually to the Pella area.
said "Not by this senator, and I don't think there will be any by other senators."
Earthpark was to be located around Lake Red Rock
Lake Red Rock (Des Moines River)
Originally the city of Red Rock, Lake Red Rock, also referred to as Red Rock Reservoir is a reservoir formed by Red Rock Dam on the Des Moines River, about 55 miles southeast of the city of Des Moines, Iowa. The dam was completed in 1969 as a flood control project by the United States Army Corps of...
, near the town of Pella, Iowa
Pella, Iowa
Pella is a city in Marion County, Iowa, United States. The population was 9,832 at the 2000 census. Pella is the home of Central College as well as several manufacturing companies, including Pella Corporation and Vermeer Manufacturing Company.- History :...
. In December 2007, federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for the Pella location was rescinded. Proposals from a variety of potential hosts, some outside of Iowa are being considered.
Location
Talks between Earthpark and the city of Coralville, IowaCoralville, Iowa
Coralville is a city in Johnson County, Iowa, United States. It is a suburb of Iowa City and part of the Iowa City Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, the original planned location of Earthpark, ended in 2006. The project then found a new home in Pella, Iowa
Pella, Iowa
Pella is a city in Marion County, Iowa, United States. The population was 9,832 at the 2000 census. Pella is the home of Central College as well as several manufacturing companies, including Pella Corporation and Vermeer Manufacturing Company.- History :...
. but that did not become a reality. A similar project exists in Cornwall, England, called The Eden Project.
Size and scope
The total project cost for Earthpark is estimated to be $155 million USD. The complex was planned to be 3.5 acres (14,164 m²) in area with a 600,000 gallon aquarium and outdoor wetland and prairie exhibits.The Earthpark project was expected to employ 150 people directly and create an additional 2000 indirect jobs. The economic impact was estimated to be $130 million USD annually. The park was projected to draw 1 million visitors annually to the Pella area.
Funding
In August 2008, when asked if any efforts would be made to get additional federal money for the project, U.S. Senator Chuck GrassleyChuck Grassley
Charles Ernest "Chuck" Grassley is the senior United States Senator from Iowa . A member of Republican Party, he previously served in the served in the United States House of Representatives and the Iowa state legislature...
said "Not by this senator, and I don't think there will be any by other senators."