Washington DC - For the first time since 9/11, the Statue of Liberty may be reopening in her entirety. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation authored by Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens & Brooklyn) to reopen Lady Liberty by a vote of 266 to 152.
While the Statue’s base, pedestal, and observation deck were reopened in August 2004, her crown – and the observation deck it houses – remain closed. Lady Liberty’s crown is the only site overseen by the National Park Service that has yet to re-open since 9/11. The National Park Service overseas such sites as the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.
The Interior Department’s failure to reopen Lady Liberty has had a profound impact on New York City’s economy. Since her crown was closed to the public, the Statue has seen a 34.3% drop visitors. This loss of 7.5 million tourists has cost New Yorkers $359 million in lost economic benefits.
“The House of Representatives has spoken and hopefully the National Park Service will promptly begin work to reopen the Statue of Liberty,” said Rep. Weiner.
