New York, NY – With the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum set to launch the grand opening tomorrow of the Space Shuttle Pavilion showcasing the Space Shuttle Enterprise, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement welcoming NASA’s first space shuttle to its new home:
“I am thrilled that the long-awaited day will finally be here tomorrow and I can’t wait for my two young boys to experience the Enterprise,” Senator Gillibrand said. “As the cultural and economic capital of our nation, New York City has the right stuff to create a world-class exhibit attracting millions of visitors and school children. Having this American treasure in the heart of the Big Apple will inspire generations to come.”
After a year of relentless lobbying along with Senator Charles Schumer, NASA chose New York City out of 20 other applications nationwide. In August of 2010, Gillibrand successfully stepped in and kept New York City’s bid alive when members of the Senate Commerce Committee attempted to insert language into federal legislation that would have eliminated the bid from contention.