Gov. Mills signs bill championed by Sen. Bailey to protect Saco shoreline

AUGUSTA – On Monday, June 21, Gov. Janet Mills signed in to law a bill supported by Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco, to help address coastal erosion in Saco. LD 946, “Resolve, To Authorize Maine as the Nonfederal Sponsor with the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the Shore Damage Mitigation Project in Saco,” sponsored by Rep. Lynn Copeland, D-Saco, requires the governor to take all the necessary steps for the state to collaborate with the federal government to protect the shoreline in Saco.

“Some of the worst erosion in the state is occurring at Camp Ellis Beach in Saco,” said Sen. Bailey, who is the lead co-sponsor on the bill. “This important bill will help the residents get the support they need to protect the shoreline and their homes. The shoreline at Camp Ellis Beach needs immediate attention. This is an incredibly important project. I want to thank Rep. Copeland for sponsoring this bill and Gov. Janet Mills for helping the people of Saco.”

LD 946 bill will require the governor to work alongside the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the city of Saco to procure authorization for this necessary project. A 2017 study shows that by 2061, miles of shoreline could be gone as a result of rising sea levels and poor shoreline erosion mitigation practices. This poses a threat to the much of the coastal ecosystem in York County and significant economic challenges.

The law will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.

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