Return to Transcripts main page

American Morning

Today is Day Historic Liberty and Ellis Islands Reopen to Public

Aired December 20, 2001 - 09:17   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: As we've been reporting this morning, today is the day the historic and symbolic Liberty and Ellis Islands reopen to the public.

Standing by in Battery Park, where people are lining up to board the ferries to take them there is CNN's Jason Carroll.

How many takers this morning, Jason?

JASON CARROLL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Quite a few of actually, Paula. We saw a line of folks that took the first ferry out, which Left at about 9:00 a.m. I want you to take a look behind me here at the Statue of Liberty, beautiful site for everyone here in New York City. Liberty Island and Ellis Island both opened today, but actually Statute of Liberty will not be open. Some more security measures need to be in place before that can happen.

And speaking of security measures, come back out here, you can see there are people who are starting to line up. There are some new measures in place out here. Before you can actually hop on a ferry, you're going to have to go through a security checkpoint. You're going to be screened, just like you are at the airport. In fact, they've got some signs out here. Some of the things that they are recommending that you do not bring bags out here before boarding the ferry. It makes easier to get through the security checkpoint.

A number of folks have come out this morning, as you said a little earlier. These people joining us now. They are down from Buffalo, we are told.

Definitely balmy down here, compared to the weather you have up here.

We've got Norv Patterson (ph), Gloria Gates (ph), and Amy Filt (ph). Thank you for joining us.

Very quickly, give us some of your thoughts about the reopening of both of these islands?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I can't think he's a better Christmas present to the whole world to have the Statue of Liberty reopen at this time of year. I'm glad we came down here on this weekend to see it.

CARROLL: Some of your quick thoughts.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Just about what she said. I'm very impressed. I've lived here all my life. This is only second time I've seen it. I've lived in New York State, and this is a marvelous experience.

CARROLL: Definitely a beautiful site, isn't it?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, it is. Love it. Try not to cry.

CARROLL: All right, thank you, all of you, for coming down from Buffalo for joining us. Not only is this a morale booster for the city, Paula, but it's also an economic boost as well, 4.2 million come out to the Statue of Liberty every year. Tickets about $8 a pop. You do the math. You can guess that it's probably a good thing if I can quote Martha Stewart for the city economically as well -- Paula.

ZAHN: It is a very good thing indeed. Thanks, Jason.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com