Could This Be The Last Voyage For The Delta Queen In Chattanooga?
November 5, 2007

Today may be the last time Chattanoogans will see the Delta Queen in this part of the country.

The Cincinnati based riverboat which comes to the Tennessee River for the fall foliage cruises is facing a challenge from Congress.

Former crew member John Lewis is asking for a show of support, hoping the boat will be granted an exemption from a ban on such inland watercraft.

The 81-year old Delta queen has a wooden superstructure, and a steel hull, which the Coast guard had deemed "unsafe."

Congressman Zach Wamp is one of the lawmakers who will co-sponsor a bill too exempt the boat from that law.

The Delta Queen is the oldest Steam vessel transporting passengers on an overnight extended cruise in America.

She is on the National Registry as an Historical place.