Security concerns at Statue of Liberty push screening process to Manhattan

Security screening for visitors to the Statue of Liberty will be held in lower Manhattan instead of on Ellis Island when the site reopens on July 4 after cleanup from Superstorm Sandy.

The National Park Service originally had planned for visitors to board cruise ships in Manhattan or in Liberty State Park, N.J., and stop at Ellis Island for security, but New York officials criticized the plan. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer and police Commissioner Raymond Kelly urged federal authorities to reverse the policy, saying it could leave visitors vulnerable.

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell announced Monday that establishing a temporary screening facility at lower Manhattan’s Battery Park would address security concerns while security procedures are further reviewed. Plans for screenings at Liberty State Park are being developed.

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