Staff File Photo by Tim Barber/Chattanooga Times Free Press
The Delta Queen, docked in the Tennessee River at Coolidge Park, could be purchased by its operators if a bid made to its current owner, Ambassadors International goes through.Operators of the Delta Queen say they are a step closer to ensuring the historic riverboat stays in Chattanooga.
Leah Ann Ingram and her husband, Randy, who have operated the 83-year-old riverboat and hotel since August, announced Friday they have submitted a letter of intent to purchase the vessel from Seattle-based Ambassadors International Inc.
The steamboat has been for sale since 2008, but the parent company issued a call for offers this week, requesting letters of intent.
“The letter of intent is basically the bid process,” said Leah Ann Ingram, adding that bids would be closed after Friday. “They’ll take all of them to the board, then will make the counteroffers or offer. We don’t really have a time frame at this point.”
Vanessa Bloy, a spokeswoman for Ambassadors International, said the company is “currently reviewing offers from all qualified applicants,” and did not say when a decision would be announced.