Help save the "Delta Queen" and promote local tourism

It would be a tragedy if we allowed this National Historic Landmark to go by the wayside" because of such a rule, says Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, who represents the Cincinnati area. "It would be a great loss not only to the communities along the rivers but to the nation."

Chabot has introduced legislation that would extend the Delta Queen's exemption from the rule for another 10 years. Already, Chabot has a dozen co-sponsors for the bill, both Republicans and Democrats — a rare showing of bipartisanship that he says "speaks to our better chances of getting this done."

Still, it could be a tough battle. While Congress has granted the exemption more than half a dozen times over the past four decades, the powerful chairman of the Transportation Committee, Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., is against another extension. Committee spokeswoman Mary Kerr says Oberstar considers the boat a fire hazard.

Contact Rep. Oberstar @ 2365 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515, (202) 225-6211, FAX: (202) 225-0699 and tell him you support the extension of the sailing certificate of the Delta Queen. Get in touch with your local representative and tell them to support the Delta Queen extension

Lastly contact

Majestic America Lines , owners of the Delta Queen, and tell them they need to stop in Huntington as a port of call. There are plenty of things to see and do in our Tri-State region of Ohio, Kentucky & West Virginia and their passengers will be thrilled by the experience.