Statue Of Liberty To Remain Open During Government Shutdown

FINANCIAL DISTRICT, NY — New York State is stepping in to keep the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island open during the partial government shutdown that has shuttered national parks across the country.

The state will foot the bill for cost of operations and National Park Service staff of $65,000 per day — making it the third time in five years the state has kept the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island open to visitors during a shutdown.

“As we’ve done before when Washington’s dysfunction has shut down the government, New York will step up and ensure the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island remain open for the world to look to for strength and hope during this tumultuous time,” Cuomo said in a statement.

Most national parks in the U.S. are reducing staff and some parks-run locations are temporarily closing during the shutdown, which began after Congress failed to reach an agreement by the Friday deadline over a funding feud for President Donald Trump's proposed border wall.

Lady Liberty is a major draw for tourists and an economic boon for the city drawing more than 4.5 million people in 2016 and generating $263.2 million in visitor spending per year, according to an annual report by the National Park Service.

A ticket for the most basic trip to the monument — admission to Liberty Island and ferry fare to and from — will run tourists $18.50. Visits to the statue's crown and other tours will cost extra.

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Carvalho/Shutterstock