An Act To Clarify the Boundary between Waldo County and Knox County in Penobscot Bay
Maine Legislature, Session 130, LD 1806
Committee: State and Local Government
Sponsors: CURRY, ZEIGLER, DODGE

Legislative Document
No. 1806
S.P. 632
In Senate, December 17, 2021
An Act To Clarify the Boundary between Waldo County and Knox 
County in Penobscot Bay
(EMERGENCY)
Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 
203.
Received by the Secretary of the Senate on December 15, 2021.  Referred to the Committee 
on State and Local Government pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed.
DAREK M. GRANT
Secretary of the Senate
Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo.
Cosponsored by Representative ZEIGLER of Montville and
Representative: DODGE of Belfast.
Emergency preamble.  Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, during the most recent census, the United States Department of Commerce, 
United States Census Bureau contacted Waldo County about a discrepancy with the 
common boundary line between Waldo County and Knox County in Penobscot Bay, and 
this discrepancy must be resolved; and
Whereas, Public Law 1828, chapter 372, which established Waldo County, 
established the southern boundary of the county as a line due east from the southern corner 
of the boundary line of the newly established Waldo County at approximately Jameson 
Point, along the town lines of Rockland and Camden, and across Penobscot Bay to where 
it met the Hancock County line; and
Whereas, the southern boundary line of Waldo County established in Public Law 
1828, chapter 372 crossed Penobscot Bay south of the entire archipelago of Islesboro at 
approximately N 44° 06' 56"; and
Whereas, Public Law 1860, chapter 146, which established Knox County, designated 
numerous municipalities and plantations from Waldo County and Lincoln County to the 
newly established Knox County, but was silent on the common border with Waldo County 
in Penobscot Bay; and
Whereas, beginning in the 1940s, maps indicated the boundary line between Waldo 
County and Knox County in Penobscot Bay at approximately N 44° 12' 18", just south of 
Lime Island, which had the effect of dividing the archipelago of Islesboro between the 2 
counties; and
Whereas, having timely clarification of and certainty about the common boundary 
between Waldo County and Knox County is essential for the residents of the counties, the 
next census and the creation of accurate maps of the counties; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  Boundary line.  Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a 
portion of the boundary line between Waldo County and Knox County in Penobscot Bay 
is as described:
1.  Beginning at a point located at N 44° 9' and W 68° 56.45' in a northeasterly direction 
and continuing through N 44° 12.18' and W 68° 54.05';
2.  Beginning at a point located at N 44° 9' and W 68° 56.45' in a westerly direction to 
a point located at N 44° 9' and W 68° 59.33'; and
3.  Beginning at a point located at N 44° 9' and W 68° 59.33' in a northwesterly direction 
and continuing through N 44° 12.63' and W 69° 0.79'.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation 
takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This bill clarifies and describes a portion of the common boundary between Waldo 
County and Knox County in Penobscot Bay in order to include the entire archipelago of 
Islesboro in Waldo County.