Statue of Liberty will reopen by July 4
Shut down by Hurricane Sandy, Lady Liberty will finally be open for visitors again by the Fourth of July.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Sen. Charles Schumer announced the reopening date Tuesday.
“We are fully committed to reopening this crown jewel as soon as it’s safe for visitors and not a second later,” Salazar said.
Sandy wrecked the national monument, which was in the direct path of the storm surge, according to the National Park Service.
About 75 percent of the island was under water, officials said.
The statue itself did not suffer any damage, but flood waters destroyed utilities, a backup generator and power systems.
Nearby docks also were damaged, and the waters sent bricks flying around island pathways.
Salazar had estimated that repairs to Ellis Island and Liberty Island could reach $59 million.
