Randy Wharton, Ohio County Commissioner and Development Authority Member, said one of the two permits needed to construct the theme park has been approved and the other should pass through mid March.

"The permit comes in two pieces the first part relates to how you handle storm water and the second, how you handle storm water during the construction period," Wharton said.

County Administrator Greg Stewart said they have cleared a big step toward making the theme park a reality.

"We're wrapping up, finally, the permit process now we have to move forward in the full design of the earth work with the wild escape folks," said Stewart.

Developer Steve Minard said the announcement of the permit approval is music to his ears, but there is a lot of work still ahead.

"A project this size takes five to seven years to be completed, but the state of the economy will not hold this project up," said Minard. "The economy for entertainment, especially valued entertainment, is still strong and we expect it to continue to be...we survived the great depression."

The theme park site sits on the western edge of the Highlands site, and when complete, will encompass dozens of acres of land.

Minard said he is in constant contact with the Ohio County Commission office and is hopeful this project can get started soon.