Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island to remain open during government shutdown

As the federal government faces a partial shutdown—following a fight in Congress over the $5 billion cost of President Donald Trump’s proposed border wall—New Yorkers will feel its impact in different ways, with one of the most immediate being the closing of parks and monuments operated by the government.

But some federal properties will remain open, most notably the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. On Saturday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the monuments—operated by the National Parks Service, under the umbrella of the Department of the Interior—will still welcome visitors. Cuomo ordered the state to do the same thing in January, when the government previously shut down. The state will pay the cost of operating the venue, which comes to about $65,000 per day.

“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.

According to Cuomo’s office, around 12,000 people visit the Statue of Liberty on a daily basis; the monument sees more than 4 million visitors every year, bringing in $263.2 million in revenue. A ticket for the most basic experience—visiting Liberty Island, and ferry service to and from—is $18.50, with options getting pricier for visits to Lady Liberty’s crown and other tours.

Other institutions operated by the federal government, such as Smithsonian museums (including the Cooper Hewitt and the National Museum of the American Indian) will remain open through January 1.