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Chattanoogans fight mayor over keeping Delta Queen riverboat

401 views · Published 17 September 2013 · 1:29 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: chattanooga times free press · 2013 · News & Politics

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Less than two weeks remain before the Delta Queen riverboat is evicted from Chattanooga, and the fight to keep the national historic landmark here - is just beginning.

Mayor Andy Berke ordered the riverboat removed by the end of the month.

A city document shows the Delta Queen owes more than $11,000 dollars in back rent. But the riverboat's managers say city officials are lying.
Delta Queen president Lea Ann Ingram says all the debts they were told about have been paid off, and that the mayor's office has damaged the image of the riverboat.

Travis McDonough, the mayor's chief of staff, said the city might consider letting the Delta Queen stay if certain conditions are met. But Ingram says no one from the mayor's office told her that.

And Bob Doak of the Visitors Bureau, says he's received complaints from 25 influential people over the years who said the boat got in the way of their downtown view. Plus, he says, the boat just hasn't been kept in good condition.
The mayor's office says it's received several emails for and against the eviction of the boat.
But a Timesfreepress.com poll shows 82 percent of people believe the Delta Queen should be allowed to stay here.
And supporters have been vocal on social media.

Jeremie Gentry said quote, "I've been a supporter of Andy Berke until now. If he makes this decision to evict the Delta Queen, I will join the hundreds who will fight to evict him from his office."

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