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The riverboat, a frequent visitor to Winona and other cities along the Mississippi River, will be forced to shut down next year after failing to get a critical exemption from Congress.
The steamboat, which was built in 1926 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989, has a steel hull.
But its decks and superstructure are made of wood, and a federal law passed in 1966 forbids any vessel made primarily of wood that operates from a U.S. port to carry more than 50 overnight passengers.
Congress has granted at least six exemptions for the Delta Queen, which has a capacity of 174. But the latest request by Majestic America Line, which operates the steamboat, was denied. The company has said 2008 will be the Delta Queen’s farewell year. The boat is not scheduled for any trips to the upper Mississippi next year. It last stopped in Winona on July 13.
Dave Clements, executive director of the La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, said he was disappointed to hear about the Delta Queen’s demise.
“To lose a grand lady like that is a loss,” Clements said.
The Delta Queen already made its only scheduled stop this year in Winona and the steamboat schedules for next year typically aren’t released until January, Clements said.
Majestic America Line also owns the American Queen and the Mississippi Queen, both of which will continue to operate. The Mississippi Queen is undergoing extensive renovations and is out of service until 2009.
Tina Keenan, general manager of the Great River Steamboat Co. in La Crosse, says the Julia Belle Swain is not affected by the federal law and will continue to operate on the Mississippi.
Kathy Jostad, vice president of boat operations for Skipperliner Marine, said the La Crosse Queen also will continue its seasonal trips on the river.
Scott Rada is city editor of the La Crosse (Wis.) Tribune. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
