Liberty Island reopened to visitors today for the first time since Nov. 8, 2006.
The island was closed to the public after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks because of security concerns. Access to island was restored in 2004, with access to the lower observation deck and pedestal of the statue allowed, but closed again in 2006. The crown has not been opened to the public since 2001. Located in the fallout zone, the statue and island sustained minor damage from debris. Lingering radiation kept repairs from happening until last year.
For the last year, restoration efforts have made the Island safe for the public once again. The amount of Rangers acting as guides and protection on the island increased since the last opening in 2006. Access to the Crown level of the Statue was also restored.
The Statue of Liberty will be open for a year. Then it will be closed again for more safety work. Along with Ellis Island, the Office of the Interior hopes to have these important National Monuments fully reopened by the summer of 2011.
(OOC: This is an ST-version of a RL event, the reopening of the Crown of the Statue of Liberty. Happy 4th of July for those of us who are American. Happy Regular Damn Day to those of you who aren't!~)