Statue of Liberty to reopen on July 4, following Hurricane Sandy damage The Statue of Liberty will be reopened in time for America's Independence Day celebrations in July after Hurricane Sandy forced its closure last year. The superstorm which hit the East Coast of the USA last October caused extensive damage on Ellis Island, making it unsafe to visit New York's most iconic site. But after speedy progress with repair work, America's Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar declared that Lady Liberty will once again welcome visitors on July 4. New York icon: The Statue of Liberty will finally reopen on July 4 Mr Salazar explained: "Sandy inflicted major damage on facilities that support the Statue of Liberty - destroying the docks, crippling the energy infrastructure on Ellis Island and wiping out the security screening system - but we are fully committed to reopening this crown jewel as soon as it's safe for visitors and not a second later." It is also important for New York's tourism industry that the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are accessible as soon as possible. Figures form 2011 show that 3.7 million people visited the site - which is iconic as the first place where immigrants set foot on American soil - generating $174 million (£115 million). Hurricane Sandy hit just one day after the Statue of Liberty fully reopened, following a one-year closure and $30 million project to upgrade safety at the site. Superstorm: The dock and pier at Ellis Island were severely damaged in the hurricane The latest delays mean the symbol of the city has been out of action for close to two years. A message on America's National Parks Service website reads: "Thank you for your interest in Statue of Liberty National Monument. Unfortunately Liberty Island and Ellis Island remains closed due to damage from Hurricane Sandy. For those interested in the history of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the Service says: "There are still opportunities to view the Statue of Liberty and visit National Parks in the New York City and northern New Jersey area. You can go on a harbor cruise that leaves daily from Battery Park provided by our boat concession statue cruises www.statuecruises.com. These enjoyable cruises provide an informative overview of sights along New York Harbor and a great view of the statue for your photo memories, but don't land on the islands.