The Statue of Liberty's crown will reopen to the general public on July 4, the first time since before the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar made the announcement this morning on NBC's "Today Show," which had its four main anchors begin the show live from the top of the famed New York landmark.
"Today we're announcing that on the Fourth of July we will open up the crown of the Statue of Liberty to the entire people of America," Salazar told NBC's Matt Lauer.Salazar said his mandated review of logistical and safety concerns has concluded and that "improvements are going to happen" before the crown reopens in early July. The statue will remain open for the next two years then close for renovations in order to permanently repair security and safety concerns.
Visitors will be able to access the crown in groups of 10 at a time, guided by a National Park Service ranger, according to the Interior Department.
"We'll follow that up with more rehab and ultimately increase the number who can come up here," Salazar said from within the crown.
