AUGUSTA — A bill by Sen. Erin Herbig, D-Belfast, to support Maine Ocean School has been signed into law by Governor Janet Mills.

The new law, LD 2020, “An Act To Strengthen Maritime Education by Amending the Laws Governing the Maine School for Marine Science, Technology, Transportation and Engineering,” will allow Maine Ocean School to continue operating, according to a news release.

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

“Maine Ocean School in Searsport is a transformative public high school that is preparing the next generation of leaders in marine science, technology, transportation and engineering,” said Sen. Herbig. “I’m grateful to the governor for signing this bill into law. The school is so important to our community and region.”

Last summer, Maine Ocean School discovered a sunset clause in the statute that authorized its creation. 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, according to the release, pushed back the sunset clause to 90 days after the adjournment of the Second Regular Session of the 129th Legislature. LD 2020 furthers extends the sunset provision to 90 days after the adjournment of the 130th Legislature.

LD 2020 will go into effect on June 16, 2020, which is 90 days after the Legislature adjourned sine die.