I think those folks are all fools, one side for actually believing the Ark myth and the other for wasting time protesting. As for the state helping finance it, it looks like they'll get a good return on their investment.
As for trying to refute the Ark story with science, I have learned that there is no point in trying to do so, or trying to refute science with religion.
This reminds me of the warning my granddaddy gave me about mud wrestling pigs. Everyone gets dirty but the pig likes it. carry on.
