Kentucky Kingdom, the former Six Flags site in Louisville, US, may reopen if its new owners can get hold of US$50m.

Ed Hart, who owned the park from 1989-1997, became the new owner in May this year after Six Flags closed the park in February.

He and other investors, comprising the Kentucky Kingdom Redevelopment Company, met with members of Jefferson County's legislative delegation a week ago to ask for the money.

Hart's plans could include doubling the size of the waterpark and building a new rollercoaster.

Reopening the park could create up to 2,000 jobs and Hart thinks he can get it opened by 2012.

However, while there is some support for the plans, other members of the legislative team feel that the timing is not right in economic terms.

Hart has said he will continue to put pressure on the board to get the park reopened. He was quoted by KFPL News as saying: "I think it was well received. This is more than just affordable entertainment for families, local families and out of state families. More importantly, this is an economic engine at a time that we need jobs, Kentucky Kingdom will create up to 2,000 jobs."