HAMMOND | A structural engineer has been hired to determine if a near-life-sized replica of the Statue of Liberty can withstand weather extremes on an island in Wolf Lake.

Donald Corson, of the Indianapolis firm American Structurepoint, told the Redevelopment Commission on Tuesday his team will study whether it would be technically viable for the statue to become a permanent exhibit near the lake's eastern shore.

The 50,000-pound, resin-coated foam replica was created by Griffith printing company Beryl Martin Co. for an August indoor business convention in St. Louis.

Corson said he viewed the statue in place during the convention, and will determine the technical viability of its structure over the long term.

Commissioners approved paying $27,500 for the preliminary feasibility study, with findings expected in three or four weeks.

Richard Calinski, executive director of planning and development, said the durability study had to come before any further investigation into siting the statue or construction of a base for it.