HARPSWELL — The U.S. Coast Guard is trying to give away a remote Maine lighthouse, but is having trouble attracting local takers.

The Halfway Rock Light Station is 4.5 miles off the coast of Bailey Island between Cape Elizabeth and Cape Small. The 77-foot lighthouse built in 1871 was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The Coast Guard wants another federal agency, state or local government, nonprofit, educational agency or community development organization to take over the building.

Two of the closest qualifying entities, the town of Harpswell and the Harpswell Historical Society, have little interest.

Selectmen Jim Henderson tells the Times Record the town has more pressing concerns.

If the lighthouse is not transferred to a government or nonprofit, it will be put up for auction.


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