TWIN FALLS, Idaho — Five groups are hoping to make the jump that decades ago stymied daredevil Evel Knievel and his plan to rocket across the Snake River Canyon.
The Idaho Department of Lands is considering applications for a two-year lease on land near Twin Falls that includes the original mound of dirt Knievel used for his failed attempt to cross the canyon in 1974.
Department spokeswoman Emily Callihan told The Times-News that only one applicant will be awarded the right to use the land. The winning bid will be chosen Sept. 27.
The lease requires an annual $25,000 rent, and the lessee must give 3 percent of the main revenue source plus 5 percent of any other revenue streams to the state Land Department. The applicants must also get approval from the city of Twin Falls before the lease goes into effect Nov. 1.
Forty years ago, Knievel’s stunt drew thousands of onlookers, and Twin Falls gained national attention even after the celebrated daredevil failed to make it to the other side.
Omega Point Productions is the only local applicant. It was formed in Twin Falls by Scott Record, and his business partner is Scott Truax, whose father designed Knievel’s rocket. They’ve designed a replica of the rocket used in 1974, and it’s currently under construction.
Other applicants include: Ping Pong Productions, a Los Angeles-based company, has produced several television series focusing on ghosts and UFOs; Adrenaline Nation Inc. of Perris, Calif. features independent films, adrenaline and extreme sports and adventure programming.
The final two applicants are REODevelopment Group LLC out of Elmwood Park, Ill., and Beckley Media LLC from Bridgeport, Texas.
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