Closed to the public since Superstorm Sandy slammed into New York last October, the Statue of Liberty will once again welcome tired and huddled masses -- of tourists -- on July 4.
About 15,000 people are expected to flock to the landmark for a day of festivities including a morning ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell.
More than three million people visit the 305-foot (93-meter) statue -- as tall as a 22-story building -- each year.
The monument did not sustain damage during the mega-storm that smashed into the US East Coast on October 29.
But Liberty Island, the tiny speck of land on which it sits off the southern tip of Manhattan, was devastated.
Three-quarters of the island was flooded, some parts under more than five feet of water. Docks and railings were dislodged, power and phone lines damaged, and sidewalks were ripped up by the waves and wind.
In the months since Sandy, hundreds of construction workers and National Park Service personnel from across the country have handled repairs.
The city and the park service reached a deal to reestablish security checkpoints in Manhattan, before tourists take the short boat ride to Liberty Island.
Some minor restoration work remains undone with a few days to go before the grand reopening. But the thousands of visitors expected on Thursday will largely have the same access as before the storm.
Tourists who have reserved tickets in advance -- and are ready to climb the 377 steps -- will be able to visit the statue's crown, which had only reopened to the public just before Sandy struck following a $30 million face lift.
The total cost of post-Sandy repairs on both Liberty Island and neighboring Ellis Island -- the port of entry for millions of immigrants at the start of the 20th century -- has been put at $59 million
Ellis Island, hit harder by the storm, is still closed to the public, with no date set for its reopening.
Power and telephone lines are still down there. Hundreds of thousands of museum items were transferred to other storage facilities due to the lack of air conditioning.
The Statue of Liberty is one of the Big Apple's most popular tourist attractions. In 2011, it drew 3.7 million visitors and generated $174 million in economic activity for the city.
About 400 people usually work at the site, providing security, assistance to visitors, and operating tour boats, souvenir shops, restaurants and other small vending stands.
Lady Liberty was named a UN World Heritage site in 1984.
Created by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, with the help of Gustave Eiffel for the interior metal structure, France gave the statue to the United States as a gift and sign of friendship in 1876.
That year marked the 100th anniversary of American independence.
Then US president Grover Cleveland inaugurated the statue on October 28, 1886.
AFP
Tue Jul 02 2013
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.