PETERSBURG, Ky. — A Christian group building a massive wooden ark in Kentucky inspired by the biblical account of Noah is considering going to court to fight the state's rejection of the project's tax incentives.

President Ken Ham of Answers in Genesis says the loss of the tourism tax rebate would be costly for the Ark Encounter theme park project, but it will continue. Ham says in a statement that two public interest law firms would represent the group if legal action is taken. He says no decision has been made yet.

Kentucky's tourism secretary said Wednesday that the project isn't eligible for tax incentives because employees would be screened on the basis of religion.

Ham says federal and state laws support the group's intention to base hiring on applicants' religious preferences.