SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. -- The federal government is pulling the plug on security at the Flight 93 memorial.

Money for 24-hour patrols there will run out by the end of February and now, Somerset County is trying to figure out a way to keep the "hallowed ground" safe.

Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world have left pieces of memorabilia at the memorial, and Somerset County wants to make sure it's protected.

Not long after the United Airlines flight was hijacked and crashed in Shanksville on Sept. 11, 2001, Somerset County said congressman Jack Murtha secured $1 million worth of federal funding used to pay sheriffs deputies to patrol the temporary memorial day and night all year round.

That money ran out last year, so the National Park Service kicked in more, but the money will dry up soon.

Over the past few years, the biggest safety concern was the actual crash site, the fenced in section officials call the "cemetery."

Federal agents have removed all of the debris, but the rule remains that only family members are allowed on that piece of hallowed ground, so the NPS will continue to keep that under lock and key.

There are volunteers at the temporary memorial keeping an eye on the site all day.

Plans for a permanent memorial are in the works that would include 24-hour security.