The Magnificent Delta Queen is not being "retired"--she is being forced out of operating by a few powerful congressmen and the Seafarer's Union. Because Congress passed a poorly-written legislation back in 1966, the Safety Of Ships At Sea law, the DQ has required an exemption from this law to allow it to run. This is because she has a mostly wooden superstructure, considered a real fire hazard for a ship far, far from shore. The DQ is always within minutes of shore, and has the latest in fire suppression systems on board--in every room, and also heat-rise monitors. She is safe, safer than most hotels, and safer than most homes (mine included). Congress has recognized this in the past (when the DQ was a Union boat) and 9 times granted the exemption almost unanimously. This past year, two congressmen have killed all exemption bills in their committees, preventing congress from voting on it.
We are pleading for Americans to email President Obama to get this legislation acted upon--he supported the DQ during his campaign. We consider this to be an Economic Stimulus issue for the folks that worked on the boat (almost 200 jobs) and for the little river towns where the boat stopped--and we are not asking for one penny--just permission to run! This is the first time since 1811 that there hasn't been an overnight steamboat on the American River systems. Don't let our heritage die! Go to www.save-the-delta-queen.org to find out more!
Steamcerely,
David Dewey
YOU can help save America's last overnight steamboat!