AUGUSTA (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci signed an order Thursday that spells out future uses for Sears Island, which for decades has been the subject of contentious debate by developers who came in with various plans, environmentalists and public agencies.

The governor signed an executive order that formalizes a plan developed by a committee representing diverse interests and approved by the Legislature’s Transportation Committee. It marks a significant parcel of the Penobscot Bay island for conservation, and another parcel for potential port development.

An easement was also signed by the Maine Department of Transportation and the Maine Coast Heritage Trust for the portion of Sears Island to be set aside for education, recreation and conservation purposes.

The State of Maine will remain the owner of Sears Island and the Maine Coast Heritage Trust will act as the holder of the easement. The order directs the Transportation Department to immediately initiate the process of marketing and development of a cargo-container port on a 330-acre portion of Sears Island and Mack Point.

“Many people have worked extremely hard and for many years to reach this consensus,” Baldacci said in a statement announcing the order.

The governor said the order takes crucial steps to compatibly manage marine transportation, recreation, education and conservation uses for Sears Island.

James Gilway, town manager of Searsport, said many people in town believed they would never in their lifetimes see a breakthrough for Sears Island.

“(Thursday) that has changed to, ‘we will see something in our time’ and we are thrilled,” Gilway said.

AP-ES-01-22-09 1859EST