AUGUSTA — A bill by Sen. Erin Herbig, D-Belfast, to support Maine Ocean School was unanimously passed March 17 by the Legislature.

The bill, LD 2020, “An Act To Strengthen Maritime Education by Amending the Laws Governing the Maine School for Marine Science, Technology, Transportation and Engineering,” would allow Maine Ocean School to continue operating.

The school, which is located in Searsport, is a high school that focuses on marine science, technology, transportation and engineering.

“As a high school that is preparing our future maritime leaders, Maine Ocean School is so important to Searsport, Waldo County and the State of Maine,” said Sen. Herbig. “I want to thank my colleagues in the Legislature for unanimously passing this bill, helping to ensure the success of Maine’s coastal economy for future generations.” 

Last summer, Maine Ocean School discovered a sunset clause in the statute that authorized its creation, a press release noted.

To keep the school open, Sen. Herbig sponsored LD 1849, “An Act Regarding the Laws Governing the Maine School for Marine Science, Technology, Transportation and Engineering.”

That law pushed back the sunset clause to 90 days, per the release, after the adjournment of the Second Regular Session of the 129^th Legislature.

LD 2020 would further extend the sunset provision to 90 days after the adjournment of the 131^st Legislature, the release said. 

The bill has been sent to the desk of Gov. Janet Mills, who has 10 days to sign it, veto it or allow it to become law without her signature.