Statue of Liberty reopens for US Independence Day after Sandy devastation

The Statue of Liberty will re-open for July 4 celebration, months after Hurricane Sandy flooded the island.

The 14-foot surge from the hurricane covered about 75 percent of Liberty Island and shut down water and sewer systems.

The hurricane hit on October 29, one day after the 126th anniversary of the statue's dedication.

According to the New York Post, the iconic tourist attraction had been closed for about a year for renovations - and had reopened only the day before.

John Warren, spokesman for the Statue of Liberty National Monument, said that they were delighted to reopen the Statue of Liberty to the public, especially after something so major.

He said the water which stormed across the island never touched the statue or the pedestal where it is standing.

According to the report, officials said nearby Ellis Island will remain closed for now, adding that the cost to repairs both islands could reach 60 million dollars.

Among those who will attend the re-opening ceremony will be Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, Mayor Bloomberg, New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez and National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis.

A spokesman for Statue Cruises, which sells the Statue of Liberty tickets, said access to the crown has already been sold out.

Officials said that tours are booked until next week, and the crown is booked until August.