Wouldnt it be a shame that the Mississippi River lost this historic vessel to politics? I am all for fire safety and laws, but c'mon. The point that the boat is never any more than 100 feet from the shoreline makes a lot of sense. As long as it's equipped with escape boats I dont see the problem... Plus, why now? Who is the tighta** that came along and decided that this thing is a fire hazard all of the sudden?

Congress: Bid to renew exemption for Delta Queen fails

By Jonathan J. Cooper

POST-DISPATCH WASHINGTON BUREAU

04/23/2008



WASHINGTON — The future of the storied Delta Queen steamboat appeared in peril Tuesday after a key House committee rejected a vote on legislation to renew a fire-safety exemption for the vessel.



The exemption has allowed the Delta Queen to run overnight trips.

Link:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/s ... enDocument

Well, not exactly "all of a sudden."



The Delta Queen has had to go to Congress six previous times since the mid-1960s to win exemptions to the fire-safety standards that every other vessel has to meet.



I hope she eventually gains another exemption, but it is less than accurate to suggest that she hasn't had a fair hearing.



In the FWIW department, Mayor Slay agrees with you:



http://www.mayorslay.com/desk/display.asp?deskID=739

hmm, do all historic buildings, say for example the Old Court House, REALLY meet all of todays standards? Maybe we should tear those down too. Would the Arch meet today's standards? call spirtas!

Save the Delta Queen! If you want...



http://www.majesticamericaline.com/Save ... Queen.aspx



This may all be water under the bridge , but there may not be any overnight cruises on the Mississippi River much longer, Delta Queen or otherwise.

The last time my parents came to visit from Cincinnati, my Mom brought a picture I had drawn of the Delta Queen in 1969. My grandparents had a cabin cruiser they kept at The Four Seasons Marina on the Ohio, and while we were on the river once we saw the Queen. My Grandfather slowed down and kept pace so I could draw the boat. The paddle wheel was enormous. I remember that day as clearly as if it was yesterday, and since then I've always had a soft spot for the Delta Queen. I hope she survives.