(ROANOKE RAPIDS) - Plans for a proposed music and entertainment district in northeastern North Carolina are being unveiled Thursday.

Country music artist Randy Parton appeared at a news conference to announce a deal with the City of Roanoke Rapids and private developers to create the district along Interstate 95 near Exit 171.

The Northeast Partnership says the first phase will be 116 acres representing a $129 million investment and creating nearly 2600 new jobs.

The development will include theaters, a shopping complex and restaurants.

The initial development apparently has prompted a consortium of marine life experts to announce plans to open an ocean-themed theater in Roanoke Rapids.

The theater will feature several aquariums, a variety of hands-on educational exhibits and various ocean-oriented movies. The theater openings will coincide with the opening of the Randy Parton Theater in the spring of 2007.

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