Today, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) introduced legislation that would clear the way for the Delta Queen to return to the Ohio River. The bill would allow the Delta Queen steamboat to carry passengers on overnight trips on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH-1).
"The Delta Queen is an important landmark with a storied history of navigating the Ohio River," Brown said. "Its restoration will return the Delta Queen to its home on the Cincinnati Riverfront and pump money back into Ohio's great river towns."
"The Delta Queen is a true Ohio treasure and an important part of the Queen City's history. I remember being on the Delta Queen as a boy and am pleased to introduce this measure to keep it afloat for all Cincinnatians," Portman said. "We are working to make sure the vessel can get back in business. It represents a big part of our history, and will help promote recreational activities and economic opportunity along the Ohio River."
The 1966 Safety at Sea law prohibits wooden ships of a certain size--like the Delta Queen--from carrying passengers on overnight trips. This legislation would require new safety requirements and grant a 15-year exemption to this rule, which was standard practice until 2008.
The Delta Queen, designated as a National Historic Landmark, is currently undergoing renovations in Houma, LA but was owned by a Cincinnati company from 1946-1985.