National Park Service Needs Additional Funding to Safely Reopen Statue of Liberty

Statement by Northeast Regional Director Alexander Brash

New York, N.Y.—“The Statue of Liberty, like all national parks, should be open and welcoming for Americans to enjoy. Beyond security concerns, closure of the crown illustrates the chronic funding shortfalls facing our national parks, and the critical need for a $200-million increase in park operations contained in legislation now moving through Congress.

Whether access to Lady Liberty is managed through reservations, lotteries, or other reasonable methods, Americans should have the right to visit every nook and cranny of our National Park System.

With additional funding, we hope the National Park Service can find a way to safely reopen the crown and ensure that visitors can experience this historic landmark that symbolizes the freedom of America. Taking care of our national parks should be a national priority.”

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