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Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said Friday morning that the Parks Department will reopen Lady Liberty's crown to tourists on July 4th, the 233rd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

"This great birthday present for the American people and everyone is that... they will once again be able to experience one of the most awesome things in the world," said Salazar.

Salazar said initially 30 visitors per hour will be allowed inside the crown. Out of that number, only 10 at a time will be allowed up the 168-step circular staircase to the crown. That number will eventually increase.

A lottery system may be used to decide who will get to enter the crown.

Improvements will be made to the crown before and after the reopening. Among the renovations will be a new handrail on the staircase.

Visitors on Liberty Island were excited to finally be able to climb inside the city's colossus.

"It symbolizes our freedom, that all the immigrants came over here from all these different countries. We’re a melting pot," said one visitor. "And we’re thrilled that they’re going to reopen it, it’s long overdue."

"This is what New York is all about. If you see Lady Liberty, you know you’re here," said another.

"I can’t wait that the top reopened. I’ve never been on top, so I’d like to go there," said a third.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he supports the decision to reopen the crown, as long as it is safe.

"I've always said if they can open the crown safely, they should do it," he said. "And there's been discussion over the years as to whether they can because it's a narrow stairway going up and only one stairway rather than two. And if the NYPD can help, we will be happy to. But it they can open it, that's good news."

The interior of the statue will probably get hot and crowded when it is reopened this summer, but Congressman Anthony Weiner said that makes such a visit distinct.

“When you go up there at this time of year, it’s hot. Part of what makes it a thrilling experience is it’s hot. You have the sense you’re participating quite literally in getting inside of history,” said Weiner.

The statue was closed to visitors after the September 11th terrorist attacks because of safety concerns. The pedestal and lower observation decks have since reopened, but the staircase leading to the crown has remained closed.

"This is a great, great day for America: July 4, 2009 is going to be the day that we end the national shame of keeping the Statue of Liberty closed and make it a true day of national celebration," said Weiner.

After two years of limited access, the crown will be closed again in 2011.

Salazar is also visiting Ellis Island to discuss using $25 million in federal stimulus funding for the historic immigration center.