AUGUSTA — State Senator Linda Valentino of Saco is proposing a bill that would allow for directional signs to Thornton Academy from the interstate.

The bill, LD 262, would direct the Maine Turnpike Authority to place directional signs to Thornton Academy at northbound and southbound exits of the highway closest to the school, according to a press release from Valentino.

Under the proposed bill, Thornton would cover all costs associated with the signs.

Last session, the legislature passed a law that resulted in about 90 signs being removed or relocated in order to bring the state in line with federal regulations on signs placed along the Maine Turnpike, Interstate 95, and Interstate 295, according to the statement from Valentino. However, the measure passed last session does not prevent people and organizations, over the course of the next five years, from requesting special legislation to put up a sign on an interstate highway, according to Valentino’s statement.

“As one of the largest public/private high schools in the State of Maine, Thornton Academy is critical to the economic well-being of my district,” said Valentino, who is a graduate of the school. “Prominent signage not only provides critical communication to new students, potential students, and visitors, it also recognizes the historical significance and importance that this long-standing institution has within the community.”

Representatives from the Maine Turnpike Authority and Department of Transportation spoke out in opposition of the proposal at a recent public hearing in Augusta.

Bruce Van Note, director of policy and planning for the Maine Turnpike Authority, said the proposal is “inconsistent with a comprehensive insterstate signage law” the legislature passed last year and would “generate a deluge of sign bills” in the future, according to written testimony.

Nina Fisher, manager of legislative and constituent services with the Maine Department of Transportation, said that federal guidelines do not permit states to advertise public or private high schools on interstates.

Fisher said a unanimous report of the state Transportation Committee less than year ago was that the purpose of signs on the interstate is to provide directions to destinations with high volumes of traffic, and cannot be used for advertising or promotion.

“Interstate signs are not to promote commercial, economic or ”˜feel good’ interests ”“ no matter how worthwhile they are,” said Fisher.

Thornton Academy Headmaster Rene Menard said that Thornton has more than 1,600 students, and is the largest secondary school in the state, according to written testimony. Students come from Saco, neighboring towns and states, and nearly 20 different countries, he said.

Menard said parents of international students who come to visit are often unfamiliar with the region, and the school seeks to make their visits as easy and welcoming as possible.

Menard said the school also hosts international consultants, placement agents and potential students; and the campus has been used for events that include the New England Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

“Thornton Academy is a destination for a broad range of visitors, many of which may be traveling to Maine for the very first time,” said Menard. “A highway sign for Thornton Academy would benefit our school, but I urge you to consider also its benefit to provide information of value for travelers to our state.”

The legislature is scheduled to discuss the proposal at a work session on Friday.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.