The National Park Service (NPS) says it hopes to partially open both Liberty and Ellis islands this summer, which would be nearly a year after the Oct. 29, 2012 Superstorm Sandy caused massive damage and forced their closures. Docks, the promenade and structures surrounding the statue were among the most severely damaged, as well as the electrical systems, wastewater treatment and security screening equipment.
Liberty Island's severely damaged docks, walkways and other park infrastructure are "key" to a reopening and welcoming visitors back [to that island], says David Luchsinger, superintendent at NPS, which manages the monument. “We have been working diligently on planning efforts so that we can move quickly once funding has been identified,” Luchsinger says. Congress passed funding that will go toward infrastructure repair only a few weeks ago, he says, and so an exact time line for reopening has not been determined.