AUGUSTA – A bill to provide funding for the redevelopment of the former Island Nursing Home, now known as HomePort, into affordable senior housing, sponsored by Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle, went into effect on July 29.
“I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting our community through the funding in this bill,” said Eaton. “Senior housing in Hancock County is so desperately needed, and this money will go a long way to support this project.”
As amended, LD 1106 includes a one-time appropriation of $250,000 to the Maine State Housing Authority to support the redevelopment. It will help fund renovations, which are expected to cost roughly $2 million, and will also help leverage additional private and federal investments. The bill also specifies that the apartments cannot be rented to tenants whose income exceeds 80% of the area median income.
Additional legislation cosponsored by Eaton that recently went into effect includes LD 2069. In 2025, Gov. Janet Mills proclaimed July 21 “Lost Fisherman’s Remembrance Day,” and this new law establishes an annual observance.
“Commercial fishing is important but dangerous work,” said Eaton. “It is the right and honorable thing to ensure we annually remember those we have lost. Maine’s fishermen play a crucial role in our state’s economy, from providing food to our communities to creating jobs and sustaining our coastal way of life.
Eaton also successfully cosponsored LD 876, which provided funding for the Maine Service Fellows Program.
“Our island and coastal towns have faced significant infrastructure challenges from severe storms,” said Eaton. “I see the potential of this program not just to fill gaps during an emergency, but to help knit together a stronger statewide network of support for communities like ours.”
A full list of bills passed into law in 2026 can be found here.
Eaton is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents the communities of Brooklin, Deer Isle, Eagle Island Township, Frenchboro, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swan’s Island, Tremont, Isle au Haut and Vinalhaven. She serves as a member of the Marine Resources Committee and the Transportation Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Eaton) | 305-965-2744