Via LongIsland.com:
Governor Cuomo has made an arrangement with the federal government where New York State will pay the government to cover the salaries of the employees …
Lady Liberty may soon reopen its doors to visitors, regardless of the federal government shutdown, according to Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Cuomo announced Friday that he had reached a deal with the federal government to open the statue by funding it by the State instead. New York State would be responsible for funding National Park personnel at a daily cost of $61,600.
“The Statue of Liberty is one of this country’s most recognizable landmarks, attracting millions of visitors to the state every year, and its closure these last 11 days has had a terrible impact on the local economy and tourism industry,” Governor Cuomo said in a press release. “Every day that Liberty Island is closed means we are losing visitors who would otherwise be spending at our local businesses – not to mention the employees who maintain the park and have been forced out of work. As the shutdown continues, we cannot afford to lose the thousands of visits to the park each day.
Under the agreement, the statue will reopen to the public today in time for the holiday weekend.
“The Statue of Liberty is not only one of New York City’s most important tourist attractions–it is also an enduring reminder of the proud principles our nation stands for,” said Senate Majority Coalition Co-Leader Jeffrey Klein. “I’m very pleased that this important landmark will remain open during this troubling time in our nation’s capital and I applaud Governor Cuomo for making it a reality.”