clipped from: zanesvilletimesrecorder.com   
In this file photo, the riverboat Delta Queen moves up the Ohio River. The historic riverboat Delta Queen has been nominated to become one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Landing on the exclusive annual list could save the steamboat from likely decay. The 82-year-old sternwheeler is scheduled to shut down because Congress has refused to grant another exemption from a federal law that bans more than 50 overnight passengers on boats that are largely made of wood. The exemption exp

Delta Queen nominated as endangered historic site

The historic riverboat Delta Queen has been nominated to become one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.

Landing on the exclusive annual list could save the steamboat from likely decay.

The 82-year-old sternwheeler is scheduled to shut down because Congress has refused to grant another exemption from a federal law that bans more than 50 overnight passengers on boats that are largely made of wood. The exemption expired on Oct. 31.

Owners say the boat, which can carry 176 overnight passengers, can't survive financially if it can only carry 50 passengers.

So Boone County Historic Preservation Review Board member Don Clare nominated the Delta Queen for inclusion on the list compiled by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The list raises awareness of preservation efforts.

Sites must meet three criteria - historical significance, urgently threatened and possible solutions - in order to qualify for the list.