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CBS2 Demands Answers: 3 Years After Sandy Lights Are Still Out At Empty Sky Memorial

JERSEY CITY, N.J.(CBSNewYork) -- The Empty Sky Memorial in Jersey City was dedicated in 2010. Two years after that, Superstorm Sandy damaged the memorial's lighting system.

Now, almost three years later, many of the lights are still out.

The names of 746 New Jersey residents killed during the Sept. 11 attacks have been etched on the stainless steel walls of the Empty Sky memorial inside Liberty State park.

It's hard not to cry when you walk along the pathway that directly points to Ground Zero.

"Being a nurse, I got called into work, so it's real emotional to come back because it's personal," Ivonne Benitez told CBS2's Christine Sloan.

CBS2 has been to the memorial for the last three anniversaries and noticed that some of the lights along the pathway have gone out or been covered with boards.

"Anything that we don't do is disrespectful, whether it's lights or cleaning it," Benitez said.

The State's Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for repairs.

Signs at the entrance ask visitors to be patient as the state tries to fix the damage from the 2012 storm.

A DEP spokesperson said saltwater corroded wiring underground to the lights, and that an issue with the manufacturer warranty means that repairs could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars that New Jersey doesn't have.

Visitors wanted to know why the state hasn't come up with a solution.

"This is a place or respect and dedication to all the people who lost their lives. I really think they need to step up to the plate and get the lights back on," Angela Baez said.

The DEP said it's not a lack of respect or trying -- they've managed to get the lights up, but then they go out again.

The agency said it's having a meeting this week to come up with a permanent solution.

A source familiar with the problem has suggested installing new lights above ground.

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