Cohen Delivers Jobs to Memphis by Helping Secure Finalization of American Queen Deal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) today said the deal he helped solidify between the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the Great American Steamboat Company (GASC) to bring the “American Queen” back to Memphis would create almost 300 new jobs in the Bluff City. Congressman Cohen secured a 30-day extension from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood earlier this summer to prevent the deal from falling through.

“The final deal between the U.S. Maritime Administration and the Great American Steamboat Company will create almost 300 new jobs in Memphis,” said Congressman Cohen. “This deal almost didn’t happen. I was more than happy to work with my friend Secretary LaHood to prevent this deal from falling through. Bringing the American Queen to Memphis will create jobs, improve Memphis’ economy and add another component to our world-class transportation network. Mayor AC Wharton and everyone else involved in Memphis did a great job making this happen.”

“The Department of Transportation worked closely with leaders in Tennessee to get the AMERICAN QUEEN on its way to Memphis as quickly as possible,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “When it arrives, this ship will serve as an economic engine, drawing thousands of tourists to the waterfront and creating hundreds of jobs for the Memphis region.”

In July, Congressman Cohen telephoned and sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and MARAD Administrator David Matsuda requesting that they “grant approval for a short, additional extension of the closing deadline for the purchase of the American Queen.”

Congressman Cohen pointed to his solid working relationship with Secretary LaHood from their days together in the 110th Congress for helping finalize the deal to purchase the American Queen. The Congressman also noted his close working relationship with Memphis Mayor AC Wharton, who also played a pivotal role in helping bring the American Queen to Memphis.