AUGUSTA — A bill that would streamline the permitting process for sand rejuvenation efforts in Camp Ellis has passed in the House and the Senate, and is now awaiting final approval by the governor.

LD1644, sponsored by Saco Sen. Linda Valentino, passed in the House Wednesday and in the Senate Thursday.

Valentino sponsored the legislation at the request of Saco city officials.

The coastal area of Camp Ellis has experienced significant erosion as the Saco River Jetty ”“ which extends from the mouth of the Saco River into Saco Bay ”“ disrupts the natural flow of sand. The jetty was built by the federal government in the late 1880s to create a smooth shipping channel.

More than 30 homes have been lost over the past several decades due to erosion, according to city documents.

“Right now, Saco Bay is in jeopardy,” said Valentino in a prepared statement. “If we don’t take steps to protect our sand beaches from erosion, they could disappear along with an important segment of our economy.”

The bill allows Saco to make limited property and municipal infrastructure protection measures without a Natural Resources Protection Act permit along the coastline, and within the coastal sand dune system and waterways of the Saco River Harbor Camp Ellis Beach and Ferry Beach areas for prevention or mitigation of shore damages for the Saco River and Camp Ellis Beach.

The bill also authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection to approve a permit for Saco, to undertake over a period of seven years, annual maintenance of the Saco River and beach nourishment at Camp Ellis.