Plans to build the world's first green theme park near Houston are moving forward.

The EarthQuest Adventures theme park will sprawl across 1,600 acres and include 50 different rides in five-themed areas.

The park is also expected to create 17,000 jobs in the area over a 10-year period.

"I imagine it's going to be pretty rowdy around here, but it's going to help the economy, I know it is," resident Sally Brown said.

The plans for the green park also include a water park, an eco-friendly resort hotel, as well as dining and shopping areas.

Earthquest Adventures is expected to open in 2013.