Liberty Island Public Scoping Secondary Screening EA & Sect 106

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Date: October 17, 2016
Contact: Jerry Willis, (646) 356-2105

New York, NY – The Statue of Liberty National Monument is asking the public to comment on a proposal to construct a secondary security screening facility on Liberty Island to replace the existing security screening tent. The new building(s) would house security screening operations for visitors with tickets to enter the Statue of Liberty's Pedestal and/or Crown, and provide lockers for personal items not allowed in the Statue (backpacks, large purses, diaper bags, strollers, etc.). The purpose of this project is to a provide storm-resistant structure to protect expensive and sensitive security screening equipment, reduce operations and maintenance costs, allow for more efficient screening, promote better pedestrian circulation, and improve important views within the cultural landscape on Liberty Island.

In response to the events of 9/11, Statue of Liberty National Monument enhanced security screening for all visitors entering the Statue. The screening tent envisioned as a short-term security solution, is located on the main pedestrian mall. The tent detracts from the view of the back of the Statue, which was designed as a focal point within the cultural landscape. Additionally, the layout of the pre-fabricated tent limits the number of people who can be screened at any one time. As a result, the main mall is congested by visitors navigating around the tent and long security lines. Finally, the tent fabric and elevated wooden floor degrade in the salt air of New York Harbor and must be repaired on a regular basis. Nor does the tent structure provide a solid base for the screening equipment, causing service outages during wind events due to tent movement/vibrations. A permanent facility is needed to protect the equipment, improve the cultural landscape and visitor experience and reduce maintenance problems.

Several concept designs locations have been developed for this project. The concept designs call for low buildings on one or both sides of the main visitor entrance to the Statue.The National Park Service proposed action is to construct a permanent secondary security screening facility in an area east of the main pedestrian mall (the east yard) aligned with the east wing walk. A proposed action is the initial NPS proposal and one option (alternative) to address the purpose and need for the project. Design renderings and additional information about the project can be found on the project website at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/Liberty_Island_Secondary_Screening_Scoping

Feedback will be taken throughout a 30-day public scoping period, during which the public is invited to identify any issues or concerns they might have with the proposed project. The National Park Service will consider public comments in preparing an environmental assessment (EA) for compliance with the

National Environmental Policy Act. Comments related to historic properties will also be gathered to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Section 106 is the process by which federal agencies take into account the effect of proposed projects on properties listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Comments may be submitted online no later than November 16, 2016 at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/Liberty_Island_Secondary_Screening_Scoping


About Statue of Liberty National Monument

"The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World" was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886 and designated as a National Monument in 1924.

-NPS-



Last updated: October 17, 2016

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