No more rollin'

THE ISSUE

The historic Delta Queen riverboat may be permanently berthed because Congress will not extend an operating exemption to the wooden steam-powered stenwheeler.

The steady-rollin' riverboat the Delta Queen may be a mere memory by the end of 2008 unless Congress relents and grants its owners an exmption to continue operating the wood-framed paddlewheeler.

Built in 1926, the Delta Queen is the last of the steam-powered overnight passenger sternwheelers. It can accommodate 176 people and has a crew of 80. The old riverboat has been a frequent visitor in the Shoals in recent years, mooring at McFarland Park on the Tennessee River, where passengers disembark to spend a day of shopping and dining.

The riverboat is also unique because it is the only passenger ship afloat that has a wood superstructure, which has not been allowed on U.S. waters for 40 years. But Congress has granted several exceptions to the Delta Queen's operators through the years to allow it to continue to ply the great rivers. But this year, Congress said it would extend no more waivers. Unless someone can change lawmakers' minds, the Delta Queen will soon fade into the past.

It seems odd that Congress would withhold its exemption for the Delta Queen, especially since it is a National Historic Landmark. It's the last of its kind and the company that owns it - Majestic America Lines - should be allowed to keep it in service.

Federal law no longer allows overnight passenger boats with wood superstructures to operate on U.S. rivers. The exemption Congress has granted for the Delta Queen has allowed Majestic America to step around the restriction. The riverboat has operated safely for eight decades, and it's obvious insurers are willing to write liability policies that allow Majestic America to continue to operate it. In the past, riverboats were more fire-prone because of the the wood-burning boilers and open flame lighting in passenger cabins and kitchens. The riverboats of today are primarily electrically powered, greatly reducing the risk of fire.

It will be a sad day if the fine old Delta Queen - which has an 1897 steam calliope and a bell from a riverboat that Mark Twain traveled on - is no longer seen on the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers. It's a unique piece of American history, and Congress should help ensure its continued success on the nation's rivers.