Editorial: Don’t Procrastinate On Delta Queen Issue

It’s time for those who want the Delta Queen to continue operating on America’s rivers to take action. The exemption that has allowed the DQ to operate on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers for more than 80 years will expire November 1.

Rep. James Oberstar (D–Minn.) has made it an uphill battle for those who want to get the exemption extended. It is an exemption many say is intended for oceangoing vessels only. The conditions under which the DQ operates are far safer than those for seagoing vessels, and the vessel itself is supremely equipped with quality fire protection equipment in addition to being manned by a well–trained crew. Capt. Michael R. Williams, former captain and longest–serving crewmember on the DQ, said he “personally supervised the five–year Coast Guard–approved installation of a totally modern and superior sprinkler and smoke and flame detection system on the Delta Queen.” The U.S. Coast Guard Machinery Branch in Washington has approved the current system. Williams said the system surpasses current Coast Guard and federal guidelines.

Oberstar has stirred up a lot of resentment among people who want to see this National Historic Landmark (since 1989) continue to operate. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Supporters are puzzling over why Oberstar, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, would oppose the exemption proposed in legislation by Rep. Steve Chabot (R–Ohio). One cosponsor of the bill said, “to deny a debate and vote “flies in the face of reason….”

Sen. George Voinovich (R–Ohio), a veteran backer of the Delta Queen, recently filed legislation to exempt the boat from the 1966 Safety of Life at Sea Act and reeled in 12 members of the Senate from eight states as cosponsors. The bill would extend the exemption through November 1, 2018. It had been renewed nine times since 1968, nearly always by close–to–unanimous margins. Support is bipartisan.

Even communities are supporting the DQ. When the vessel makes its final stop in Vicksburg, Miss., November 3, Mayor Laurence Leyens is expected to read a proclamation honoring the boat’s history and place in Vicksburg’s lore. The farewell celebration will include city front festivities, music by the onboard band and steam–powered calliope, and a special presentation to the city by the vessel’s captain.

On September 24 the Pennsylvania House of Representatives declared October 4 “Delta Queen Day” to “honor this unique and quintessentially American treasure.” It was reported that as of September 25, Pennsylvania Sens. Arlen Specter and Robert P. Casey Jr., had not joined a long list of cosponsors for Senate bill 3498 to renew the exemption.

Seeing the widespread support for the DQ, we don’t think the grand old vessel has to go “to the scrap yard.” The senator should scuttle his mission and let the bill come up for a vote. DQ supporters should contact their congressmen in case he doesn’t. There is no reason why other legislation could not be introduced as well.

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