Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

Hochul Refuses State Funding to Keep Statue of Liberty Open During Shutdown

She faults Washington Republicans, rejecting a repeat of 2018’s state-funded rescue.

It does not say 'RSVP' on the Statue of Liberty, but it may nonetheless be closed to the public due to the federal government shutdown.
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • With the partial federal shutdown starting Oct. 1, Gov. Kathy Hochul said New York will not pay to keep the Statue of Liberty operating.
  • Hochul blamed “Washington Republicans” for any potential closure and planned to rally with New York Democrats against the shutdown.
  • The statue remains open under the National Park Service, but who is covering current operating costs is unclear and visitor access could be curtailed.
  • In the 2018 shutdown, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo used about $65,000 per day from state tourism funds to keep the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island open after thousands were initially turned away.
  • Media accounts conflict over which party blocked a short-term funding bill, and the National Park Service reports the site drew more than 3.7 million visitors last year.