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Delta Queen's reign coming to a close?
Monday, February 25, 2008 10:56 PM EST Print this story | Email this story
For more than 80 years, the Delta Queen steamboat has spun its wheel across the scenic river by-ways that fill North America.

But the vessel now faces the possible end of its reign.

The Delta Queen is America's last authentic, overnight passenger stern-wheeler steamboat, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark. In November, 2008, the boat's current exemption from meeting certain provisions in the 1966 Safety of Life at Sea Law will expire. Since 1970, Congress has granted the boat exemptions from that law, during which time the vessel has operated on the inland rivers of the United States.

U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot of Ohio and 20 co-sponsors introduced H.R. 3852 on Oct. 16, 2007. It is a stand-alone bill to grant a further exemption for the Delta Queen.

Legislation to save the Delta Queen could go before the full House of Representatives this week, but only if the House Rules Committee approves an amendment to the Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill that would continue the boat's exemption from the 1966 Safety at Sea Law. The Committee will meet today.

The Delta Queen is a nonpartisan issue.


The Delta Queen passes by the Maysville River Park on its way to Pittsburgh, Penn., in this 2004 file photo. -- Terry Prather/Staff
The Delta Queen is a U.S. flag vessel and is owned by a U.S. company and pays federal taxes. Since 1966, it has operated under an exemption, acknowledging its wood super structure as good and safe enough to host three presidents and a princess. The Delta Queen has been granted exemptions nine consecutive times.

But if nothing is done for the Delta Queen, more than 120 jobs will be directly lost. In addition to what would be the loss of cultural heritage, many of the towns visited by the vessel each year would lose revenue spent by passengers of the steamboat in local economies.

The Delta Queen has served as an emergency hospital transport vessel in World War II. It also has spent many summers visiting Maysville and Augusta.

"With a bit of luck and the support of grassroots organizations," said David Tschiggfrie, head of the campaign to save the Delta Queen, "hopefully that beautiful boat will be around for many, many years to come."

Tschiggfrie was a passenger on the Delta Queen for 13 summers and has continued to support the stately steamboat.

"I encourage individuals to e-mail or fax their U.S. Representatives in the House, urging them to support the bill," said Tschiggfrie.


For more information about the Delta Queen go to http://www.save-the-delta-queen.org.

Contact Barbara Goldman at barbara.goldman@lee.net or by calling 606-564-9091, ext. 274.

Reader Comments

Comments are limited to 200 words or less.

Vanceburg Bob wrote on Mar 3, 2008 4:41 PM:

" The Delta Queen article failed to mention that one of it's former captains was a Vanceburg resident, Capt William Dugan. "

Captain Nappy wrote on Mar 1, 2008 2:33 AM:

" Arrrr... now there's a hearty vessel that still has some use. If nothing else, let's see it as a party barge... Shiver me timbers... "

ponto wrote on Feb 26, 2008 8:16 PM:

" If the boat was a cat, it has used up it's nine lives. "

little jim thompson wrote on Feb 26, 2008 4:44 PM:

" when I lived on front street I remember all the nights I set on the roof just waiting to hear the sound of the delta queens music, I always dream of a life on the water, guess thats why I join the Navy and stay for 22 years, have talked with my kids about that great sound lost in history, please people of Augusta lets get it going, ask Nick, Nia, Miss America and George to get on board an save the queen, this boat is history, every town on the river should be on board for this, so lets do something great to keep this history! thank you "

Abby wrote on Feb 26, 2008 11:23 AM:

" How Sad! I love the Delta Queen. I`ll pray for it "

Evonne wrote on Feb 26, 2008 10:50 AM:

" It would be such a shame and loss of history if the bill doesn't pass. The Delta Queen is a majestic lady of the river and should be allowed to continue in her reign. "


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