Statue of Liberty crown to reopen July 4

[May 08, 2009]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Interior Secretary Ken Salazar says the crown of the Statue of Liberty will reopen July 4.

Salazar, speaking from inside the statue's crown, made the announcement Friday morning on NBC's "Today."

The statue was closed to the public after 9/11 because of security concerns. The base, pedestal and lower observation deck have since been reopened.

Salazar says about 30 visitors an hour, chosen by lottery, will be allowed inside the crown. He says that number eventually will increase.

Improvements to the crown will be made before and after the reopening.

Salazar also is visiting New York's Ellis Island to discuss stimulus funding for the historic immigration center.

[Associated Press]

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