By Associated Press
Florence, AL – The Delta Queen, America's last authentic stern wheel-powered steamboat, will cease operating in 2008 because the vessel is made of a wood superstructure that is prohibited by federal law.
Majestic America Line, which operates the steamboat, announced August 1st that next year would be the last season for the Delta Queen. An exemption from Congress that has allowed the boat to operate as an overnight passenger vessel expires in November 2008.
The Delta Queen, which was built in
1926, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. The boat has a steel hull, but its decks and superstructure are made from wood. Federal law forbids any vessel made primarily of wood that operates from a United States port to carry more than 50 overnight passengers.
Congress has granted several exemptions for the Delta Queen, which has a capacity of 174. The feds rejected Majestic America Line's latest request.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)