The Delta Queen might be sold to a hotelier in New Smyrna Beach, FL who intends to convert her into a floating hotel, much like her sister ship, the Delta King in Sacramento, CA. Very likely this will make it impossible for the boat to ever sail again.
What makes the Delta Queen so special is the fact her original steam plant is completely intact unlike any other overnight passenger boat, but if the Delta Queen’s fans don’t act quickly her uniqueness may be lost forever.
In order for deal to go through the potential buyer must obtain approval from several agencies. The Save the Deta Queen Campaign recommends supporters to take a couple moments to review this information and contact the agencies listed below to express your concerns. The boat’s wooden superstructure was not designed for salt water environments and will probably not survive long there. The National Trust for Historic Preservation would also like to hear from you regarding the Delta Queen as she is designated a National Historic Landmark.
According to Smyrna Beach’s City Manager Pam Brangaccio the commission will consider the proposal for the Delta Queen at its Sept. 11, 2012 meeting.
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