Privatizing O.C. Marine Institute

The Orange County Marine Institute will reach a milestone when it reopens in the fall as a private, nonprofit charitable foundation. The marine institute was nurtured in its early years by a joint-powers agreement of the County of Orange, the Orange County Department of Education, four community college districts and the city of Dana Point. This structure served us well over the years but does not allow for the development of new programs and meeting the increasing needs of our educational community.

The organization called Friends has had a long involvement and relationship with OCMI, providing support and financial assistance over the years. The Friends board of directors is made up of local people representing the communities of Dana Point and business and professional leaders from Orange County who reflect the mission and past history of the Orange County Marine Institute. This new structure will enhance the fund-raising capabilities of OCMI, allowing it to provide quality educational programs to more Orange County students while using technology to expand the science and maritime educational programs to students in other places.

To realize its dream of developing a facility which is capable of delivering the high-quality educational and scientific program, the transition from the current JPA to a nonprofit structure under the Friends’ leadership is a direction that has been supported by the governor of California and our local Board of Supervisors. It is a model used by similar projects throughout the nation.

In these times when deep criticism is being leveled at many governing institutions, the Orange County Marine Institute is a model of government working as it should. The business community and private individuals, through the Friends of OCMI, are nurturing and supporting a fledgling organization, encouraging its independence from government subsidy and releasing it to fly on its own. The marine institute will be a win-win situation for all involved. Orange County will get a world-class facility reflecting its commitment to quality education; government agencies will be free of oversight responsibility and liability; and our children will have one more opportunity for learning. The Orange County community and the local residents of Dana Point will continue to be involved in this prestigious activity.

WILLIAM HABERMEHL

President

OCMI Board of Directors