AUGUSTA – In a letter to members of the newly formed Sears Island planning steering committee, Gov. John Baldacci pledges to be guided by the group’s final report and argues for the importance of finally settling the decades-old debate about uses of the state-owned island.

In the letter, dated June 5 and distributed to committee members last week, Baldacci wrote: “I am committed to this process and I expect … your group will work in good faith to produce a consensus set of recommendations by the end of this year.”

Baldacci stressed, contrary to the suspicions of some on the steering committee, that he will heed the group’s recommendations.

“I expect to be guided by your findings and will give serious consideration to their implementation. As mandated by LD 277, I will work with many of you and with the Legislature to fashion a management plan to implement your recommendations for Sears Island which give all Maine people clarity about permissible uses for the island.”

An amended version of LD 277, enacted last year, calls for any proposals for Sears Island to come to the Legislature’s Transportation Committee, and then to get the approval of the full Legislature.

“I know that the history of Sears Island during several gubernatorial administrations has left some people mistrustful of the state’s intentions,” Baldacci wrote.

“I have directed all state agencies to fully cooperate with your … process. Maine citizens and businesses can no longer afford any uncertainty about the future of Sears Island. … If you do your part, I pledge to do mine,” the letter states.