OAKLAND, Ky. — Just south of Mammoth Cave National Park, a proposed $100 million industrial park and airport project has grown into a mammoth controversy before an acre has been purchased.

        With $6 million in state money already in its coffers, the Kentucky TriModal Transpark project has united farmers, environmentalists and professors against business and political interests.

        Proponents hope the planned hub will provide 7,550 jobs in south-central Kentucky — about as many as the Toyota plant in Georgetown.

        Local business leaders say a bold vision is needed to attract high-paying, high-tech jobs to a region weakened by withering textile and tobacco industries. The plan would develop 4,000 acres of farmland.

        Critics say Transpark boosters have exaggerated job projections while minimizing the threat to the area's unique cave system and rare wildlife.

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