Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 18, 1993 TAG: 9311180196
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Virginia is competing with Carlsbad, Calif., for the $100 million park that would feature a city made of Lego building blocks, educational exhibits and play areas.
"We're very optimistic that they will be coming here," Wilder told reporters. "We've been dancing and courting and dealing with Lego for two-and-a-half to three years."
Wilder said he hoped the announcement would come this week. Lego has said it plans to announce a We're very optimistic that they will be coming here. We've been dancing and courting and dealing with Lego for two-and-a-half to three years. Gov. Douglas Wilder site by the end of the month.
"The choice has not been made," said John F. Dion, a spokesman for the toymaker.
It it's in Virginia, the park would be near Interstate 95.
Virginia is offering Lego $39.5 million in incentives, including an expanded highway interchange, a rail station and a four-lane Lego Parkway.
Wilder said Lego's interest may have influenced Walt Disney Co.'s decision, announced last week, to build a 185-acre American history theme park in Prince William County.
Lego and Disney have talked to each other, Wilder said, but Lego told him the Disney announcement would have no effect on its plans.
Gov.-elect George Allen said he has been briefed on the Lego negotiations and sees no problem with the state's offer.
Allen said he has been lobbying Lego officials since January.
He said he pitched Interstate 95 as "Main Street USA" because it draws traffic from up and down the East Coast.
"I didn't mention that at certain times of the day it's not moving," he said.
The Lego park would draw an estimated 1.8 million annual visitors and offer at least 100 full-time and 600 part-time jobs.
Lego operates Legoland near its headquarters in Billund, Denmark, and is building a second park near Windsor, England.
by CNB