9/11 Memorial To Open On 10th Anniversary
Project might not be complete by target date
Thursday, Jan 29, 2009 | Updated 1:30 PM EST
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The "Tribute in Light" memorial shines behind the Statue of Liberty on March 11, 2002 on the six-month anniversary of the World Trade Center terrorist attacks in New York City. The two light beams served as a temporary memorial, but a permanent reminder is scheduled to be in place in the next few years.
The head of the agency that owns the World Trade Center site says the Sept. 11 memorial will open on the 10th anniversary of the attacks -- and will remain open.
But that doesn't mean the memorial will be completed by then.
Executive Director Chris Ward says the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is still determining exactly how much public access will be allowed while the construction continues.
Two reflecting pools over the twin towers' footprints and the victims' names will be engraved by the 10th anniversary.
Construction on the memorial began in 2006.
Ward spoke at a state Assembly committee hearing on Thursday.
