National Park Service officials want to replace this temporary screening facility at the Statue of Liberty with a more permanent facility/NPS file photo

A secondary screening facility is being proposed for use at Statue of Liberty National Monument, where officials say it is needed to screen visitors and provide lockers for personal items not allowed in the Statue, such as 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 existing 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, according to the National Park Service. 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.

Design renderings and additional information about the project can be found on the project website.

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.