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Statue Of Liberty, Ellis Island Will Not Reopen To Visitors In 2012

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Superstorm Sandy is to thank for the extended closing of two of the New York area's most popular tourist attractions.

The National Park Service said Friday the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island will not reopen to visitors this year.

Both sites have been closed since Superstorm Sandy hit the region Oct. 29. Cleanup and repairs have been ongoing.

The Statue of Liberty itself received little to no damage.

The pedestal and base, including the main floor and exhibits upstairs, are OK. But docks, a brick promenade, railings and other facilities on Liberty Island were damaged.

At Ellis Island, the storm damaged doors, windows and exhibits in the ferry building, among other sites.

Park Service spokeswoman Daphne Yun said Wednesday no projected reopening date has been established.

Both the statue and Ellis Island, which served as an entry point for immigrants for a half-century, are very popular among tourists worldwide.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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