An Act to Provide Funds for the Redevelopment of the Island
Maine Legislature, Session 132, LD 1106
Committee: Housing and Economic Development
Sponsors: EATON, GROHOSKI

Legislative Document
No. 1106
H.P. 725
House of Representatives, March 18, 2025
An Act to Provide Funds for the Redevelopment of the Island 
Nursing Home in Hancock County into Affordable Senior Housing
(EMERGENCY)
Reference to the Committee on Housing and Economic Development suggested and 
ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative EATON of Deer Isle.
Cosponsored by Senator GROHOSKI of Hancock and
Representatives: FRIEDMANN of Bar Harbor, MILLIKEN of Blue Hill, RAY of Lincolnville.
Emergency preamble.  Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, the Island Nursing Home in Hancock County has ceased operations, 
resulting in the loss of a critical resource for the district; and
Whereas, the region faces an urgent and ongoing shortage of affordable housing for 
senior citizens; and
Whereas, the Board of Directors of the Island Nursing Home has proposed a 
redevelopment plan to convert the facility into 24 affordable apartments for senior citizens, 
which will address this critical need; and
Whereas, immediate funding is necessary to initiate the renovation project, which has 
an estimated cost of $1.2 million to $1.5 million; 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.  Accountability and reporting.  The Maine State Housing Authority shall 
submit a detailed report regarding the conversion of the Island Nursing Home in Hancock 
County to affordable apartments for senior citizens to the Joint Standing Committee on 
Appropriations and Financial Affairs within 6 months of receipt of funding provided 
pursuant to section 2.  The report must include:
1.  A breakdown of how the funds have been used;
2.  A progress update; and
3.  A financial summary of additional funds raised and any additional funding needs.
Sec. 2.  Appropriations and allocations.  The following appropriations and 
allocations are made.
HOUSING AUTHORITY, MAINE STATE
Housing Authority - State 0442
Initiative: Provides one-time funds to support the conversion of the Island Nursing Home 
in Hancock County into 24 affordable apartments for senior citizens.
GENERAL FUND
2024-25
2025-26
2026-27
All Other
$250,000
$0
$0
__________
__________
__________
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$250,000
$0
$0
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation 
takes effect when approved.
SUMMARY
This bill provides one-time funds to support the conversion of the Island Nursing Home 
in Hancock County into 24 affordable apartments for senior citizens.  It also requires the 
Maine State Housing Authority to submit a report regarding the use of the funds to the Joint 
Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs.