[David Dewey]

The Butte County HIstorical Society board of Directors voted last night to send a letter to our congressional representatives, the SIU, and Represnetaives Oberstar & Sen. Inouye in support of the SOLAS exemption.
This is the text I presented them, but they are willing to allow it to be modified, so I am presenting it here for editing and suggestions! Please feel free to make suggestions so it will be most effective. Don't worry about insuliting me--saving the DQ is too important!!
Thanks!
David D.

The Butte County Historical Society recognizes the former California
riverboat, The Delta Queen, as a surviving significant piece of our
American heritage. We encourage our Elected Representatives in Congress
to pass legislation exempting her from the SOLAS regulations outlawing
wooden superstructures on Passenger carrying Overnight Vessels operating
at Sea. The Delta Queen never operates more than five minutes from shore,
and seldom in water deeper than her second deck. In addition, she is
equipped with a modern fire suppression sprinkler system, and has been
painted with NASA developed flame retardant paint. These factors were not
considered when the SOLAS regulations were written, and should be
considered to allow the vessel to continue to operate in American rivers,
as she has safely done for the past 80 years. She has operated since 1970
under SOLAS exemptions passed by Congress and signed by six United States
Presidents.
The Delta Queen is a National Landmark, one of the few operating ones
left, and is the last remaining authentic steam powered overnight stern
wheel boat. To lose this national treasure over a misapplication of a law
will be tragic. Please do whatever is in your power to allow this
legislation to be passed to save an American Icon.