Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, January 7, 1994 TAG: 9401070164
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MANASSAS LENGTH: Medium
Disney wants to build an American history theme park on about 3,000 acres of farm and forest land about 35 miles west of Washington, D.C.
The $650 million park would open in 1998, bringing 12,400 new jobs to Virginia by Disney's estimate.
A three-volume request for zoning changes, filed Wednesday in Prince William County, formally begins Disney's negotiations with local, state and federal officials who must approve the project. Disney has threatened to walk away from the project if Virginia legislators don't approve at least $60 million in borrowing for roads and other improvements.
Under the entertainment company's plan, the bonds would be repaid with tax revenue from the Disney project.
"Disney's America will generate $1.86 billion in new tax revenues for Virginia" over 30 years, said Mark Pacala, senior vice president and general manager of the project.
But Pacala and other Disney officials said they cannot estimate how much public money would be needed.
"Every state, every project is different," Pacala said.
Disney is asking for improvements including a new interchange on Interstate 66 and a publicly funded road leading to the park.
"They have to know how much it costs," said Bob Elliott, spokesman for Protect, a newly formed group opposing the Disney plan. "It's time to put the cards on the table and tell the legislators how much money they want."
The General Assembly will take up the Disney proposal in the session that begins this month.
Disney estimates the zoning process will take nine months, with the Prince William County Board of Supervisors voting on the project in September.
Opponents of the Disney park say it would harm the environment and spoil the area's rural character with heavy traffic and commercial development.
by CNB