New lights cast a bright glow at Statue of Liberty

NEW YORK — The Statue of Liberty has a certain glow about her - thanks to a new lighting system.

Onlookers and officials stood on the grounds and boats gathered in the waters around Liberty Island yesterday (July 7) to see the new ground lights get turned on.

The system uses light-emitting diodes or LEDs. It comes from Musco Lighting of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Musco systems also are in place at the Washington Monument, the White House and the Flight 93 National Memorial.

The lights cast a bright spotlight on the statue, clearly defining the folds of her robes.

The National Park Service said much of the previous lighting system was installed below ground and damaged in Superstorm Sandy. Musco had installed a temporary system.

The new system is expected to reduce energy consumption. AP