The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutEconomic Profile of the Middle Kuskokwim Region 1991 Economic Profile of the Middle Kuskokwim Region June, 1991 MADE in ALASKA ECONOMIC PROFILE OF THE MIDDLE KUSKOKWIM REGION JUNE 1991 Prepared By Kuskokwim Planning & Management Corporation 429 D Street, Suite 307 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 (907) 276-2101 The regional and community profiles for the Middle Kuskokwim region are published by the Kuskokwim Planning & Management Corporation (KPMC) under contract with the Kuskokwim Economic Development Council (KEDC). This project was funded in part by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the Alaska Community Development Block Grant Program. Additional funding came from the Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development, the Kuskokwim Economic Development Council, and the residents of the Middle Kuskokwim region. CREDITS: Charles D. McGee, Editor Janet L. Mitson, Technical Writer & Layout Michele M. Zerbitz, Technical Writer Shannon Weiss, Layout & Design Advisor ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The residents of the Middle Kuskokwim region were a main source of information provided in these profiles. Their reviews of the documents resulted in the greatly increased accuracy of this document. Mr. Neal Fried, Alaska Department of Labor provided assistance with obtaining demographic information, gaining early access to the 1990 U.S. Census data and other statistical data used in these profiles. The Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs was a valuable resource for historic and geophysical information on the Middle Kuskokwim region and the communities. The Alaska Department of Commerce & Economic Development provided guidance and technical review for developing the economic profiles. Contents TPNE BARE ISA IN aii seicciissicspiiccescictenernsinscnricoinecees 1 I ae ae a pees 11 I iiss desecsoranai niabicealitregenlglaieibcgaaertentatababpeatilip cies 15 CANE TS CONN ic cee scien Loca ash cee So aa 19 I ais a ea a a a 23 Gatien ee ee ae 25 SPDIIADD TNS ONOOE iiss ig cnet ae a a 27 EEE SR OS SNE Se a TTS SMA 31 eee 33 SRI Sa casas snes bets nda 35 June 30, 1991 162° 160° 158° 156° 154° Crooked Creek 162° 160° 158° 156° 154° The Middle Kuskokwim Region THE MIDDLE KUSKOKWIM REGION The Middle Kuskokwim region encompasses 16,000 square miles in Southwestern Alaska that stretch along the region’s major waterway, the Kuskokwim River. The region includes ten com- munities. Aniak, Chuathbaluk, Crooked Creek, Lower Kalskag, Red Devil, Sleetmute, Stony River and Upper Kalskag are all located on the Kuskokwim River. Lime Village, in the far eastern section of the region, is located on the Stony River. Russian Mission, in the northwestern sec- tion, is located on the Yukon River in the Yukon- Kuskokwim Delta. Natural Setting The riverine communities of the Middle Kuskokwim region occupy areas of in- tense, unspoiled natural beauty. River and stream bottomlands are charac- terized by immense, marshy flatlands that pro- vide prime habitat for wa- terfowl and shorebirds. Along the Kuskowim River, forest growth be- gins approximately 100 miles inland. Small stands of black spruce, birch and poplar are interspersed with scrub growth, muskeg, or bog. Rolling hills characterize the region’s interior terrain. The region supports a wide variety of large and small mammals, although some species are lim- ited in number. Moose, caribou, and bear are the most conspicuous mammals, joined by a variety of rodents, hares and furbearers. Anadromous fish, including five salmon species, eel, boreal smelt, and the arctic cisco, are the region’s most important fishery resource. Freshwater fish in the region’s rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds com- monly include northern pike, blackfish, stickle- back, burbot, and five species of whitefish. Cold winters, with temperatures frequently be- low -50° F, are offset by short, hot summers when temperatures occasionally reach above 90° F. During spring break-up, ice jams and river overflow cause flooding conditions that are a problem to all villages in the region except Chuathbaluk. Historical Background Native people of the Middle Kuskokwim region have revered and accepted the land on its own terms, and successfully adapted their lifestyles to it, for thousands of years. It is estimated that Yup ‘ik Eskimos have inhabitated the region for at least 500 generations. The Middle Kuskokwim region, depicted in oil painting by area resident Harold P. Gregory The Yup‘ik generally established riverine com- munities in protected locations during the win- ter. These varied in size from small family settlements (ten or less people) to sedentary vil- lages (between 100-300 people). Family groups traveled to various fish camps in the summer, salmon and other fish being their primary suste- nance. Spring and fall camps were also estab- lished to harvest migratory waterfowl, ptarmigan, small mammals, caribou, berries, and other subsistence resources. Among the Yup ‘ik, land ownership and use were collective and cooperative; trade with other lo- cales was an important part of the economy. Family structure was key to economic, political, and spiritual aspects of social organization; social order was basically egalitarian and nonauthoritarian. Western contact in the region dates from 1832 when the first Russian interior post was estab- lished on the Kuskokwim River, followed the next year by the founding of Fort St. Michael on the Yukon River. In the succeeding decade, lower reaches of the Kuskokwim and Yukon rivers were traced and several posts were established. From 1842 to 1844, Lt. Alekseev Zagoskin made ex- tensive explorations on the Kuskokwim, Yukon, and Koyokuk rivers. Much of the interior Native population was not directly contacted until the late nineteenth and early twentieth century when Moravian and Catholic missions and schools were established along the Kuskokwim and lower Yukon. At about this same time, most of western Alaska experi- enced a severe measles and influenza epidemic that reduced population by about one-fourth. In some areas, entire villages were lost. For the past hundred years, expanding contact with non-Native populations has led to the de- velopment of mixed subsistence-cash economies and to a complex set of traditional and intro- duced social and political institutions. However, Yup ‘ik traditions and values in the region have shown considerable persistence and resilience. Today, commitment to a subsistence lifestyle, traditional leadership, and customary laws is strong. For social, cultural, and economic rea- sons, most residents continue a subsistence-ori- ented way of life that they actively seek to preserve. Demography, 1990 U.S. Census The Middle Kuskokwim region is home to 1,775 residents. Aniak is the largest village, with 30% of the region’s total population. Over 70% of all residents live in Aniak, Russian Mission, Lower Kalskag, and Upper Kalskag. With 53 or fewer residents each, Red Devil, Lime Village, and Stony River are the region’s smallest villages. The Middle Kuskokwim region is predominately populated by Yup“ik Eskimos, representing 83% of all residents. Sixteen percent of the population is white; the remaining one percent is mostly black. Over half of the white population lives in 2 Aniak. Red Devil is the only village with an equivalent distribution of Natives and whites; in most villages, 90-98% of the residents are Yupik Eskimos. The region’s popula 53% male, 47% fe- male. Median age is 25.4 years, ranging from a low of 16.9 years in Russian Mission to a high of 33.3 years in Sleetmute. Over 40% of the region’s total population is less than 18 years old; 14% of total population is less than five years old. There are 504 households in the region; almost three-quarters are family households. On aver- age, there are 3.4 persons per household in the region and 4.0 persons per family. * These figures do not include Russian Mission which is in a different composite census area. Economic Base As in the past, the regional economy today is based primarily on subsistence fishing, hunting, and gathering. Wage employment, commercial fishing, and trapping provide limited cash supplements to traditional subsistence livelihoods. Wage and salary employment opportunities are scarce throughout the region. Most jobs are sea- sonal or part-time only. As a result,the Bethel census area, of which the Middle Kuskokwim re- gion is a part, has the second lowest per capita income in the state. Average annual monthly wage is about three-fourths of the statewide av- erage. More than 80% of the population is in the low-moderate income category. The unemployment rate for the Bethel census area as a whole is slightly below the statewide average. However, the Alaska Department of La- bor notes that these unemployment rates are misleading. Not counted as unemployed are “discouraged workers”, those willing to work who have not sought employment because of their knowledge that few or no jobs are available locally. Though no specific data is available, rural communities like those in the Middle Kuskokwim region are regarded as having proportionately more discouraged workers than urban areas. Government is the single largest employment sector. For the Bethel census area as a whole, government accounts for more than half of all salaried jobs. These jobs are primarily associated with village schools (teachers, administrators, support staff) or local government agencies. Some state and federal employment is also avail- able. The Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs, through the Job Training Part- nership Act (JTPA), sponsors some summer jobs for high school students. In 1991, JTPA provided employment for seven youths in Aniak; six youths in Upper Kalskag. Native corporations and organizations provide other important employment opportunities in the villages. Examples are village health aide jobs provided through the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation; housing construction jobs through the Association of Village Council Presidents; and various program and support services provided through the Kuskokwim Native Association. Service sector employment includes local retail businesses and privately-owned utilities or cooperatives. Construction, firefighting, commercial fishing, and trapping are important sources of seasonal wage employment; however, the work is limited and spo- radic. Traditionally, commercial fishing has provided the largest source of cash. The Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission reports that 41 commercial permits were fished by regional residents in 1989. Of these permits, over 80% were for salmon gillnet fishing on the Kuskokwim and lower Yukon; 83% were issued to Aniak or Rus- sian Mission residents and generated more than $330,000 in estimated gross earnings. But be- cause of yearly variations in catches and prices, commercial fishing cannot be relied on to pro- vide a steady, predictable income source. Similar constraints apply to fur trading, another impor- tant cash source. The economy’s mix of subsistence and cash components presents difficult dilemmas for the region’s predominant Yupik population. The high costs of goods and services, transportation, fuels, and energy place a tremendous strain on the cash-poor economy. Yet, where available, fulltime employment limits opportunities to pursue the subsistence activities that are fundamental to Yup ‘ik cultural and social values. Likewise, the timing of summer seasonal employment conflicts directly with the busiest subsistence harvest season, the primary livelihood for most residents. Developing a solid economic base that will provide a healthy mix of subsistence and cash components is a major challenge to the region. Local Government Representation A complex set of local political organizations has developed since Alaska’s statehood in 1959 and the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settle- ment Act in 1971. The state constitution autho- rizes only two forms of local government, boroughs and cities. Boroughs are area-wide lo- cal governments, generally comparable to Fish cutting contest at Interior Rivers Fair. Shown left to right are Nancy Morgan, Winnie Pitka, Helen Tom, Mary Mary Tom, Malania Phillips, Lena Morris. county governments elsewhere, with varying permissive or mandatory powers. Areas that are not within the boundaries of an organized bor- ough are part of the Unorganized Borough that is administered by state government. Cities may incorporate within a borough as either first- or second-class cities. Each class has varying local government powers. Under state law, first-class cities have broader authority than second-class cities. For example, the property tax limit is 30 mills in a first class city; 5 mills in a second-class city. Mayors of first-class cities have veto power; those in second-class cities do not. The Middle Kuskokwim region is part of the Un- organized Borough of Alaska. Borough services are provided by state government agencies di- rectly, in cooperation with municipal govern- ments, or under contract to traditional councils or non-profit organizations. Five communities in the Middle Kuskokwim re- gion have incorporated as second-class cities within the Unorganized Borough: Aniak, Chuathbaluk, Lower Kalskag, Russian Mission, and Upper Kalskag. Under state law, city councils in these communities can exercise a wide range of permissive powers, including regulation and taxation. They also have authority to administer various state and federal revenue-sharing and grant programs. To date, no municipal council in the Middle Kuskokwim region has levied a prop- erty or sales tax. Regulatory and public service powers that have been adopted by each munici- pal government are described in the community profiles. The villages of Crooked Creek, Lime Village, Red Devil, Sleetmute, and Stony River are not incor- porated and therefore do not have city council forms of government. All villages in the Middle Kuskokwim region have traditional councils. The traditional councils are recognized by the federal government as official tribal governing bodies and, as such, are eligible to administer a number of federal programs and exercise self-governing powers on behalf of the Native population. In unincorporated communi- ties, traditional councils are often the entity through which state and federal revenue-sharing and grant programs are administered. State Assistance to Local Government The State Revenue Sharing and Municipal Assis- tance Programs are two important sources of lo- cal government support. Under state law, funds are provided to boroughs and municipalities, qualified unincorporated communities, and qualified volunteer fire departments to help fi- nance local service delivery. Both programs are administered by the Department of Community and Regional Affairs. In FY1991, nine villages in the Middle Kuskokwim region received a combined total of $387,768 from Municipal Assistance and State Revenue-Sharing. Almost 90% of this funding ($338,079) was provided to the region’s five in- corporated cities. A total of $49,689 in State- Revenue Sharing was distributed to the four unincorporated communities of Crooked Creek, Red Devil, Sleetmute, and Stony River. Lime Vil- lage was the only community that received no funding. State Legislative Representation The Middle Kuskokwim region is part of state Senate District M and state House District M24. Residents are currently represented by Senator Lyman Hoffman and Representative Georgianna Lincoln. Native Corporate Representation Alaska Natives in the Middle Kuskokwim region are represented by two economic profit corporations: The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC). TKC was incor- porated in April, 1977 by the merger of Native village corporations in the Middle Kuskokwim re- gion. Unlike many of the small village corpora- tions in the state, TKC has successfully focused on select economic investment activities. Corpo- rate subsidiaries are the Kuskokwim Planning and Management Corporation, Aniak Properties, Kuskokwim Transportation Corporation, and Kuskokwim Timber Corporation. TKC has 1,378 shareholders as of June, 1991. Its corporate headquarters are located in Anchorage. Calista Corporation. Calista is the area’s regional ANCSA corporation. It was incorporated in June, 1972 and has 13,306 original shareholders within the Bethel and Wade Hampton census ar- eas. Calista owns three buildings in Bethel, where it will open an area office in September, 1991. The corporation is headquartered in An- chorage. Regional Non-Profit Representation The Middle Kuskokwim region is served by several non-profit development and service corporations: Kuskokwim Economic Development Council (KEDC). KEDC is a public-private non-profit cor- poration that is designed to promote socioeco- nomic development within the Middle Kuskokwim region. KEDC provides information and technical assistance to existing, newly estab- lished, and prospective businesses in the region. It is designated an Alaska Regional Development Corporation (ARDOR) by the Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development. KEDC is headquartered in Aniak. Kuskokwim Native Association (KNA). KNA, incor- porated in 1973, is a non-profit corporation that focuses on the implementation of health and so- cial service programs for the Middle Kuskokwim region. KNA is headquartered in Aniak and serves all communities within the region. Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP). AVCP is a regional Native non-profit corporation that administers grants and contracts to deliver housing, social, and health services throughout the region. Most of AVCP’s annual budget is fed- erally funded by the Department of Health and Timber lands along the Kuskokwim River, near Stony River Human Services, Department of Labor, and Bu- reau of Indian Affairs. The Department of Hous- ing and Urban Development also funds programs through the AVCP Housing Authority. AVCP is headquartered in Bethel. Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC). YKHC was formed in 1969 as a regional, con- sumer-controlled tribal health care organization. Under contract to the Indian Health Service, YKHC operates the medical records department and some laboratories at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital. It offers a wide variety of health care services, including dental and mental health services, and administers the village health aide program. YKHC is headquartered in Bethel. Land Ownership and Management Since the late 1800s, federal government admin- istrative actions, judicial decisions, and statutory enactments have led to a complex pattern of land ownership and management of great sig- nificance to Alaska Natives and non-Natives alike. In the villages of the Middle Kuskokwim re- gion, this pattern is divided into three basic cat- egories: 1. BIA Native Allotment Lands. The 1906 Alaska Native Allotment Act, subject to later amend- ments, authorized the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), to return up to 160 acres of vacant land to resi- dent Natives, provided that continued use and occupancy could be proved. In the Middle Kuskokwim, these native allotment lands are managed by the Kuskokwim Native Association through its BIA realty program. 2. BLM Townsite Lands. Like the 1906 Allotment Act, the 1926 Alaska Native Townsite Act (ANTA, repealed in 1976) pro- vided means for Alaska Natives to obtain title to certain lands in the public domain. Administra- tive authority rested with the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). As a mat- ter of practice, subdivided lots within townsites were generally deeded to Natives and non-Natives alike. Today, townsite lots in the Middle Kuskokwim are ad- ministered either by municipal governments in incorporated cities or by the traditional council in unincorporated communities. 3. ANCSA Lands. The 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) provides for the conveyence of land to Alaska Native corpora- tions, along with cash payment, in exchange for the purported extinguishment of aboriginal Na- tive claims. Under provisions of ANCSA, Alaska Natives in the Middle Kuskokwim region will re- gain approximately 1.1 million acres from fed- eral ownership when title is conveyed. Ownership and management of the surface es- tate will reside with The Kuskokwim Corporation, the designated village ANCSA corporation. The subsurface estate will be owned and managed by Calista Corporation, the regional ANCSA corpo- ration. Section 14(c) of ANCSA also provides alternative means for municipalities and individuals to ac- quire lands in villages. It requires each ANCSA vil- lage corporation (e.g. The Kusko-kwim Corporation) to deed to local residents, busi- nesses, and non-profit organizations the surface estate of those village lands they occupied as of December 18, 1971. Provision is also made to convey from the remaining surface estate a ne- gotiated number of acres to incorporated mu- nicipalities or, in the case of unincorporated communities, to the State in trust for any future municipalities. Housing Housing characteristics data for the Middle Kuskokwim region are provided by the 1990 U.S. Census. There are 707 total housing units in the region. Of these, 504 units (71%) are occupied. Almost three-quarters of the vacant units are for seasonal or recreational use. The region has a to- tal of 309 owner-occupied units. There are 2.9* rooms on average in each of these units; median housing value is $44,200*. Housing provision is a major challenge in rural Alaska because of the extremely high cost of con- struction and limited availability of conventional financing. As a result, most new housing in the Middle Kuskokwim region has been built through government-subsidized programs. 6 The AVCP Housing Authority, with funding from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, administers a home-ownership program that provides 25-year financing for resi- dents who meet income and family composition guidelines. The Authority currently has some new construction or existing portfolios in all vil- lages except Red Devil. In Russian Mission, 27 units were built in 1980. In Aniak, 31 units were built in 1982 and 24 more were completed in March, 1991. Lower Kalskag has 26 units and Upper Kalskag has 13 units, built in 1983. Chuathbaluk has 13 units and Crooked Creek has 15 units, built in 1987. Eight units have been built in Stony River in 1991. Nine units will be constructed in Sleetmute by October, 1991. Funds have been appropriated for seven units in Lime Village; they are not under construction at this time. The Alaska Department of Community and Re- gional Affairs also sponsors a rural housing loan program; however, it has no loan portfolios in the Middle Kuskokwim region at present. The Alaska State Housing Authority has no public housing units in the region. * These figures do not include Russian Mission which is in a different composite census area. Transportation The Kuskokwim River is the region’s primary transportation arterial. The river is traversed by barges and skiffs during the summer. In winter, its frozen surface becomes a “road” for dog teams, snowmobiles, and other motor vehicles. The river also provides a landing surface for float or ski planes, except during seasonal transitions. Because of the high cost of air freight, most sup- plies for outlying villages come through Bethel, the only river port in Alaska capable of receiving oceangoing barges. Fuel, food, building materi- als, and other goods are then transported to the villages by smaller freight barges. Barge service is available from May to October only. The villages rely heavily on air transportation within as well as to and from the region. All vil- lages have airfield facilities that are either owned or leased by the Alaska Department of Transpor- tation. Lighting is available at Aniak, Sleetmute, Russian Mission, and Upper/Lower Kalskag. The Summer travel on the Kuskokwim River. Pictured are area residents Johnny Waskey and Maxie Alexie. Aniak airport is equipped for instrument ap- proach. Except for Lime Village, all villages have year- round scheduled flight service, Monday through Saturday, weather permitting. In the fall and winter, high winds and poor visibility can delay flights for several days. Mail to the villages is de- livered by air; some supplies are also air freighted. Passenger airfares and freight rates are very high. There are virtually no roads in the region, except those within the villages. A trail network con- nects some villages. Plans are under consider- ation for possible road construction between Aniak and Chuathbaluk. Education Public education in rural Alaska is administered through Regional Education Attendance Areas (REAA). Communities in the Middle Kuskokwim region are separated into three different REAAs: Kuspuk School District (Aniak, Chuathbaluk, Crooked Creek, Lower Kalskag, Red Devil, Sleetmute, Stony River, and Upper Kalskag); Lower Yukon School District (Russian Mission); and Iditarod School District (Lime Village). Except in Lime Village, the public school programs serve students kindergarten through twelfth grade. Aside from education, village schools provide numerous community benefits, including a source of local employment. In addition to the village schools, the Joe Parent Regional Vocational Education Facil- ity, located in Aniak, provides special skills classes for young people in the region. The University of Alaska, Kuskokwim Campus, in Bethel is the region’s nearest higher edu- cation facility. Health Care Village health care is provided through three primary systems. The Yukon- Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) sponsors health clinics in each village. Ex- cept in Red Devil, each village health clinic has at least one full time health aide. Health aides are trained to provide primary acute health care; they also provide medical ad- ministrative support services. Public health nurse services are provided through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Ser- vices. One village visit is scheduled each quarter; village visits are approximately 2-5 days dura- tion. Services include, but are not limited to, family planning and maternity care, infant and child care, communicable disease control, eye care, and mental health. Nearest hospital services are provided at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel. The fifty-bed general hospital was com- pleted in 1980; it is federally funded by the In- dian Health Service. The hospital is staffed to provide minor elective surgery, some major emergency surgery, and some major elective sur- gery. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Annie Alexie and family, Crooked Creek is currently under contract to the Indian Health Service to provide a portion of the hospital’s medical and administrative services. YKHC has proposed to assume full management of the fa- cility in October, 1991. The YKHC proposal is still under consideration. A full range of hospitalization services is provided at the Alaska Native Medical Center and other private hospitals in Anchorage. Public Safety Public safety and law enforcement services are provided by the Alaska State Troopers, stationed at Aniak, Bethel, and McGrath. Five villages in the region participate in the Vil- lage Public Safety Officer (VPSO) program: Aniak, Chuathbaluk, Crooked Creek, Lower Kalskag, and Upper Kalskag. The program is ad- ministered by the Association of Village Council Presidents. The village’s resident VPSO is trained to provide or coordinate non-felony law enforce- ment, search and rescue, emergency trauma re- sponse, and volunteer fire services. Crooked Creek, Sleetmute, and Stony River each have Volunteer Fire Departments (VFD) that qualify for State Revenue-Sharing funds. In FY1991, the three VFDs received $782, $717, and $510 (respectively) from the state. Utility Services Villages in the Middle Kuskokwim region are rep- resentative of most Alaskan rural communities, with few of the amenities associated with urban life. Most of the villages have basic utility and communication service; however, services are extremely limited and costs are high. Potable water is generally supplied from indi- vidual wells or from a community well located at a central watering point. Water is usually hauled by hand; only three villages have provision for some piped water. Central water storage build- ings, which must be kept heated, sometimes provide showers and coin laundromats for vil- lage use. Pit privies and honey buckets are the most com- mon means of wastewater disposal; in general, only the village school or clinic has septic tank 8 facilities. Aniak, Lower Kalskag, and Russian Mis- sion are the only villages with some centralized sewer facilities. Aniak, Chuathbaluk, Stony River, and Russian Mission have village landfills; solid waste collec- tion services are available in Aniak and Chuathbaluk only. Most of the other villages have designated solid waste disposal sites. Electric service, supplied by diesel-powered gen- erators, is available in all villages except Lime Vil- lage. Service in Aniak is provided by Aniak Light and Power. The Middle Kuskokwim Electric Co- operative, a regional utility, serves Chuathbaluk, Crooked Creek, Red Devil, Stony River, and Sleetmute. The Alaska Village Electric Coopera- tive, a regional utility headquartered in Anchor- age, serves Russian Mission, Lower Kalskag, and Upper Kalskag. All three utilities participate in the Power Cost Equalization (PCE) program, which provides state-subsidized rate relief to rural Alas- kans to help offset high energy costs. The pro- gram is administered by the Alaska Energy Authority (AEA). The AEA also administers the Rural Technical Assistance program. Its 1989 Vil- lage Power System Survey indicated need for at least $336,900 in power efficiency and safety im- provements for systems serving Chuathbaluk, Crooked Creek, Red Devil, Sleetmute, and Stony River (other villages in the region were not in- cluded in the survey). All fuel for the Middle Kuskokwim region is deliv- ered from Bethel. Fuel prices in the villages are at least twice the rate of comparable fuels in urban areas. This is consistent with a report published by the state’s House Research Agency which in- dicates that fuel prices in rural Alaska are among the highest in the nation. This is due primarily to small delivery volume, village inaccessibility, dis- tance and isolation from fuel supplies, and stor- age requirements. Telephone service in the villages is provided by Bush-Tell, Inc., headquartered in Aniak, or by United Utilities, Inc., headquartered in Anchor- age. All villages have one public phone as well as residential and business lines. Telephone service is provided through a satellite communi- cations system. Media Services Television service is provided to all villages through the Rural Alaska Television Network (RATNET). In Aniak, cable television is also avail- able. Several of the villages have good radio re- ception, if groundwires and external antennas are used. Radio programming is most commonly received from Bethel, Nome, McGrath, and An- chorage. The Aniak newspaper is the only one published locally. Other newspapers commonly received in the villages include the Tundra Drums, Tundra Times, and Anchorage newspa- pers. Newspapers are usually several days old before they reach the villages. Economic Development Potential There is strong commitment in the Middle Kuskokwim region to reduce reliance on public dollars and increase economic self-sufficiency and local employment opportunities through development of a more diverse private sector economy. This commitment is reflected in The Kuskokwim Five-Year Strategic Plan, developed by village representatives with assistance from the Kuskokwim Economic Development Council (acting as the Overall Economic Development Plan committee). The Strategic Plan identifies five priority economic development categories for the region: (1) tourism, guiding, and sports fishing; (2) commercial fishing; (3) arts and crafts; (4) natural resource development (timber and rock quarrying); and (5) agriculture. A combination of private and public resources is needed to promote regional economic growth and development. One such avenue is the Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) pro- gram, administered by the Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs. REDI grant and loan programs are variously funded by the fed- eral, state, and private sectors. In FY1991, the City of Aniak received a REDI grant to establish a lowbush cranberry enterprise that will buy, pro- cess, and market local berries. More initiatives of this kind will be needed to expand much-needed employment opportunities in the villages. In 1990, village representatives, working with the Kuskokwim Native Association, identified need for at least 295 more jobs in the region. Economic development activities will need to be sensitive to some basic guidelines. The most im- portant is recognition that Yup‘ik cultural and economic values are intimately tied to the natu- ral environment and subsistence pursuits. Care and respect for the region’s resources are critical to all development activity. Opportunities for meaningful local economic participation and employment will be needed. Likewise, provision will need to be made for local participation in planning and implementation efforts. Arts and crafts of the Middle Kuskokwim. Pictured is artisan Jack Egnaty, Sleetmute. For Additional Information The Kuskokwim Corporation 429 D Street, Suite 307 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 907-276-2101 CEO/President: Michael C. Harper Kuskokwim Native Association P.O. Box 127 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4384 Executive Director: Leo Morgan Kuskokwim Economic Development Council P.O. Box 207 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4418 Executive Director: Jeannie Wooderson Calista Corporation 601 West Fifth Ave. Suite 200 Association of Village Council Presidents P.O. Box 219 Bethel, Alaska 99559 907-543-3521 Executive Director: Myron Naneng Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation P.O. Box 528 Bethel, Alaska 99559 907-543-3321 Executive Director: Gene Peltola State Senator Lyman Hoffman P.O. Box 886 Bethel, Alaska 99559 907-543-3541 State Representative Georgianna Lincoln 119 North Cushman Street Suite 209 Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 907-452-3471 Anchorage, Alaska 99501-2225 907-279-5516 CEO/President: Johnny T. Hawk In Aniak: The Shop Benders Bed & Breakfast The Aniak Lodge The Drift Net Alaska Commercial Sales Matters Kusko Sales Anmiak Hair Design Mark Air/Mark Air Express Ryan Air, Northern Air Cargo Burts Burgers The Trading Post Bush Construction Moffitt Contractors Aniak Disposal Aniak Cable Company Bush-Tell, Inc. Aniak Light and Power Company Woody’s Specialty Repairs Stop N Shop Morning Peace Guides Wilderness Experiences Midnight Express Sharkey Contracting Southwestern Service Aniak Daycare Recycling Business Aniak Taxi 10 Regional Businesses In Chuathbaluk: Nelson Brothers Enterprises Little Russian Trading Post Hook-M- Up Tours Birch Tree In Crooked Creek: Thomas’ Trading Post In Red Devil: Herman’s Store Red Devil Corporation B & B Supply Vanderpool Trading Post Red Devil Adventures Mercury Inn In Sleetmute: Natalie’s Place Nick Mellick Guiding Doug Carney Guiding Vanderpool Trading Post #2 Sleetmute Fuel In Stony River: Local Service Store Stony River Inn In Russian Mission: Native Corporation Store Peteroff’s Store In Lower Kalskag: Nesbit Enterprise Smoky Lu’s Kalskag Parts & Repair In Upper Kalskag: Ausdahl Merchantile Betty's Store Morgan’s Fuel Village Video Parent's Store ANIAK Aniak is on the south bank of the Kuskokwim River at the head of Aniak Slough in the Yukon- Kuskokwim Delta. It is 92 statute miles northeast of Bethel and 317 miles west of Anchorage. The community is located at 61° 35° N 159° 32° W. Elevation is 88 feet. Background Aniak is the English derivative of a Yup‘ik Eskimo word that means “the place where it comes out”, referring to the village’s location at the mouth of the Aniak River. The Aniak River played a major role in the placer gold rush of 1900- 1901. Prospectors from Nome stampeded to the Kuskokwim Delta after hearing of gold discover- ies along the “Yellow River”. No permanent settlement was established until 1914, when Tom L. Johnson developed a homestead and general store at the site of the long-abandoned Eskimo village. Eskimos Willie Pete and Sam Simeon brought their families from Ohagamuit to Aniak during this period, reestablishing the Native community in the area. A territorial school opened in 1936 and an air- field was constructed in 1939. In 1956, work be- gan on the White Alice radar-relay station, contributing to the community’s growth. Al- though the station was closed in 1978, Aniak continued to grow through development of ser- vices for other communities within the region. Aniak’s population has almost tripled since 1970. Economic Base and Employment Year-round employment opportunities are pro- vided by numerous public agencies and private businesses in Aniak. Some of the larger private businesses include the Aniak Lodge, Bush-Tell, Inc., and Aniak Power and Light Company. The regional Kuspuk School District and the Kuskokwim Native Association (KNA) are both headquartered in Aniak. There are also resident representatives from several state agencies. These include a district court magistrate, state trooper, fish and wildlife protection officer, health and social service staff, and airport admin- istrators and maintenance personnel. Subsistence activities supplement full and part- time employment for many Aniak residents. Villagers travel to fish camps during the summer to catch silver, king and dog salmon. During the fall and winter, residents hunt for moose, bear, mink, beaver, muskrat, hare, squirrel, ptarmigan, spruce hen, ducks and geese. The surrounding tundra provides a variety of berries for harvesting. There is also some commercial fishing. The Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission reports that 13 salmon and three herring gillnet permits were fished by Aniak residents in 1989. Estimated gross earnings were $144,009, an av- erage of $9000 per permit. 1990 U.S. Census Data * City officials report a total population of 558. Local Government Aniak incorporated as a second class city in 1972. It is governed by a seven-member city council from which the mayor is elected. The city man- ager, who reports directly to the city council, ad- ministers day-to-day operations. Aniak has assumed municipal powers for its streets and 11 sidewalks, police protection, community center, recreational and park facilities. Municipal utilities include sewer and fuel distribution. A Planning and Zoning Commission and Advisory School Board have been formed. In FY1991, the City of Aniak received $129,182 in Municipal Assistance and State Revenue Sharing. The City also re- ceived a $15,000 Rural Economic Development Initiative (RED!) grant from the State to establish a lowbush cranberry processing enterprise. Aniak’s Native population is represented by a five-member Traditional Council and by the Kuskokwim Native Association, which receives direction from the Council. As the official tribal governing body of the village, the Traditional Council is eligible to administer various federal programs and grants. The Council has sponsored training programs on land administration and made improvements to the community hall. The Council currently administers a suicide preven- tion grant and a Department of Education grant to improve library services. It is also responsible for the community laundromat. Land Availability Property in Aniak comes under several jurisdic- tions. The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) man- ages lands conveyed to it as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). The City of Aniak will be receiving several hundred acres from TKC in the near future (ANCSA Section 14(c) lands). The State of Alaska, Division of Air- ports, owns a large tract surrounding the airfield. The Kuskokwim Native Association manages par- cels from the Bureau of Indian Affairs native allot- ment programs through its BIA realty program. These organizations can provide information about properties available for private or business development and can assist in determining the status of specific properties. Some parcels may also be available from private owners. Utilities Water. There is no community water system in Aniak. Groundwater is piped to homes or hand pumped from individual well systems. The public schools, two stores, FAA, and clinic also have well systems. Well depth is 25-40 feet; water quality is acceptable. 12 Sewer and Solid Waste Disposal. The municipal- owned central sewage system serves 44 homes, several businesses, and three public facilities. The system has two lift stations; wastewater is treated in a lagoon. Residential rates are $25 per month; commercial rates average $75 per month; insti- tutional rates are $115 per month. Over 30 homes in the community use septic tanks with drainfields. Frozen soil causes some drainfield problems. Solid waste is disposed by both individual haul- ing and by collection service provided by Aniak Disposal. The community landfill is located three-quarters mile west of the airport. Telephone. Telephone service is provided by Bush-Tell, Inc.. There are currently 112 residen- tial one-party lines, 118 business lines, and five pay phones in the community. Residential rates are $21.50 per month; business rates are $34.50 per month. Custom telephone features, such as call forward and conference calling, are available at extra cost. Electricity and Heat. Aniak Light and Power Com- pany supplies power to approximately 250 meters; 75% are residential class service. Both single phase and three-phase power is available at standard 120/240 voltage. Customers supply their own meter base. Aniak Light and Power provides the meter and line drop. Customers that are more than one span from the nearest existing service must share the cost of materials and labor for additional lines and poles. New customers receive initial hookup at no charge. A $19.00 fee is charged for subsequent hookups and disconnects. The standard security deposit is $100. The residential base rate is $28 per month (1- 60 kwh). Additional consumption is billed at: $.4604 per kw (61-250 kwh); $.4177 per kw (251 kwh or greater). The commercial base rate is $28 per month (1-67 kwh). Additional con- sumption is billed at: $.4177 per kw (68-1,600 kwh); $.3751 per kw (1,601 kwh or greater). All fuel is brought from Bethel and can be pur- chased from local distributor Doug Moffit, com- mercial stores, and the city. Heating oil is also sold by the Aniak Traditional Council. As of June, 1991, gasoline is $2.00 per gallon. Fuel oil is $1.85 per gallon. Media Services The Cable Company in Aniak provides cable tele- vision services at a cost of $40 per month. Three pay channels are also available: HBO is $10 per month; Cinemax is $8 per month; and The Disney Channel is $7 per month. Radio reception is poor due to interference created by nearby mountains. Print media includes the local Aniak Paper, the Tundra Drums newspaper from Bethel, and the Anchorage Daily News, delivered daily by Mark Air. Transportation Aniak is a major transportation center for goods and services that are shipped to surrounding vil- lages and communities. The city is also a hub for commercial fishing activities in the area. Primary access to Aniak is by water or air. The Kuskokwim River provides surface access after freeze-up. There are some roads within the city. Air. Aniak’s airport is owned and operated by the Alaska Department of Transportation. The 6,000-foot, lighted gravel runway is equipped for instrument approach. Regularly scheduled flights are provided by Mark Air, Mark Air Ex- press, Northern Air Cargo, Ryan Air Service, and other small charter services. Round trip air fares as of June,1991 are: $134 to Bethel and $454 to Anchorage. Water. The Kuskokwim River serves as a “road”, providing access by boat or snowmobile, except during seasonal transitions in the spring and fall. Barge service from Bethel is provided by Kuskokwim Transportation Corporation, Delta Western, and by local resident Ben Dale. The barges carry fuel oil, gasoline and supplies (sum- mer only). Surface. An intracity road system connects facili- ties within Aniak. Aniak has no road connection to other communities. Education Auntie Mary Nicoli Elementary School serves 113 students. Aniak High School serves 63 students. There are 17 teachers and 16 support staff, in- cluding the principal. The schools are part of the Kuspuk School District which is headquartered in Aniak. Joe Parent Regional Vocational Education Facility is also located in Aniak. The facility provides spe- cial skills classes for young people within the re- gion. The facility has two teachers. An itinerant counsellor and itinerant flight instructor also pro- vide services. Health and Social Services Aniak has a health clinic that is administered by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. The clinic has two health aides on staff. Hospital ser- vices are provided at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional hospital in Bethel or at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. Traveller Accommodations Overnight transient facilities are available at The Aniak Lodge and Benders Bed and Breakfast. Climate Aniak’s climate is characterized as maritime in the summer and continental in the winter. Struc- tures should be-designed to withstand wind speeds of at least 85 mph and a snow load of 63 psf. Permafrost is not a problem due to good soil drainage in the Kuskokwim floodplain. Since Aniak is located on a former floodplain of the Kuskokwim River, flooding risk is high. Flooding is caused by ice jams and overflow from the river. Temperature Range... -55° F to 87° F 19 inches Annual Precipitation Annual Snowfall Community Development Goals and Potential The community of Aniak is actively pursuing ways to develop employment opportunities for at least 30-50 local residents. In cooperation with the Kuskokwim Economic Development Council, efforts are underway to increase tourism oppor- tunities, including a Visitors Center and ex- panded tourist accommodations. A regional Interior Rivers Arts and Crafts Cooperative is ex- pected to open in Aniak in September, 1991. 13 Aniak Light and Power Company P.O. Box 129 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4334 Aniak Traditional Council P.O. Box 176 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4349 President:.William Morgan, Sr. Bush-Tell, inc. P.O. Box 105 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4311 The Cable Company Box 187 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4416 City of Aniak Box 43 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4481 Mayor: Gary C. Allian, Sr. 14 For Additional Information Kuskokwim Economic Development Council Box 207 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4418 Executive Director: Jeannie Wooderson The Kuskokwim Corporation 409 D Street, Suite 307 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 907-276-2101 CEO/President: Michael C. Harper Kuskokwim Native Association P.O. Box 127 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4384 Executive Director: Leo Morgan Kuspuk School District P.O. Box 108 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4250 CHUATHBALUK Chuathbaluk is on the north bank of the Kuskokwim River, 11 miles upriver from Aniak. It is 87 statute miles northeast of Bethel and 310 miles west of Anchorage. The village is located at 61° 34°N 159 ° 34° W. Elevation is 299 feet. Background In the early and mid 1800s, Ingalik Indians re- sided in summer camps at the site of present day Chuathbaluk. By 1833, Natives had established a settlement in the area, known variously as Chukbak, St. Sergius Mission, Kuskokwim Rus- sian Mission, and Little Russian Mission. The vil- lage name derives from the Yup“ik Eskimo word Curapalek, meaning “the hills where the big blueberries grow.” The area’s rich natural resources and abundant wildlife were a mainstay for the local Native population and for Russian and American fur traders and merchants. In the mid 1800s to early 1900s, Russian and American settlers occupied a site ten miles east of Chuathbaluk. (This site, known as the Kolmakov Redoubt, was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.) The Russian Orthodox church established a mis- sionary presence in the community in 1891. By 1894, St. Sergius mission had been constructed. Much of the village population was lost in an in- fluenza epidemic in 1900. By 1929 the site was deserted, although Russian Orthodox church members from surrounding areas continued to hold services at the mission. In 1954, the Sam Phillips family from Crow Village resettled at the abandoned mission site, joined later by others from nearby communities. The Russian Ortho- dox church was rebuilt in the late 1950s and a state school opened in the 1960s. Economic Base and Employment Most livelihoods in Chuathbaluk are based on subsistence hunting, fishing and gathering ac- tivities. During the summer, residents fish for king, silver and chum salmon, trout, Dolly Varden, pike, grayling and char. Hunting in- cludes waterfowl, rabbit, porcupine, moose and black bear. Blueberries, salmon berries, blackber- ries, Currants, raspberries, and cranberries are harvested in the summer and fall. Summer seasonal employment includes firefighting for the Bureau of Land Management, work at the local sawmill, Nelson and Sons, and commercial fishing. The Alaska Commercial Fish- eries Entry Commission reports that one salmon gillnet permit was fished in 1989. Some year-round employment is provided by lo- cal public services, including the health clinic, city and tribal government, school district, and post office. Local artisans produce handcrafts, such as beadwork, fur garments, mukluks, kuspuks and ulus. Residents have been instru- mental in the establishment of the Interior Rivers Arts and Crafts Cooperative, scheduled to open in Aniak in September 1991. The community has also sponsored establishment of a sports fishing service, Hook-M-Up Tours. 1990 U.S. Census Data Local Government Chuathbaluk incorporated as a second class city in 1975. It is governed by a seven- member city 15 council from which the mayor is elected. A city manager, who reports directly to the council, manages day-to-day operations. Municipal pow- ers govern the community’s streets and side- walks, police protection, and community centers. Municipal powers also extend to the city-owned landfill, fuel, heavy equipment rental, and laundromat operations. The city leases the health clinic. An Advisory School Board has been formed. In FY1991, the City of Chuathbaluk received $42,246 in Municipal As- sistance and State Revenue Sharing. Chuathbaluk’s Native population is represented by a seven-member Traditional Council and by the Kuskokwim Native Association, which re- ceives direction from the Council. As the official tribal governing body of the village, the Tradi- tional Council is eligible to administer various federal programs and grants. The Council has sponsored training programs on land adminis- tration and tribal government skills. It is currently involved in economic development efforts (tour- ism, crafts, roads), social development and sui- cide prevention programs. Land Availability Property in Chuathbaluk comes under several ju- risdictions. The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) is responsible for lands conveyed to it as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). In the near future, the City will be re- ceiving land for community expansion and mu- nicipal purposes from TKC under ANCSA Section 14(c). Native allotment lands, originally man- aged by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, are now managed through the Kuskokwim Native Association’s BIA real estate program. Most of the current community dwellings are located on a tract owned by the Russian Orthodox Church. These organizations can provide general infor- mation about land availablity for private or busi- ness development and can assist in determining the status of specific properties. Some parcels may also be available from private owners. Utilities Water. Groundwater is provided from a commu- nity water system, sponsored by The Public Health Service. The 105-foot well is located at a central watering point and hauled manually. The water is treated for iron removal; water quality is 16 acceptable. The school has its own watering point. Sewer and Solid Waste Disposal. Solid waste is col- lected weekly and taken to a community-owned and operated landfill, located one-quarter mile from the village. The city refuse fee is $20 per year. Pit privies, honeybuckets, and septic la- goon are used for wastewater disposal. The city sewer fee is $30 per year. There is a septic tank with leach field to serve the school and clinic. Telephone. Telephone service is provided by United Utilities, Inc. There are 19 residential and business lines in the community and one pay phone. Residential rates are $22.73 per month. A $50 deposit fee is required. Residential hookups are $37.50 (wiring in place); $127.25 (wire in- stallation required). Business rates are $34.00 per month. A $100 deposit is required. Business hookups are $39.50 (wiring in place); $129.25 (wire installation required). Custom telephone features, such as call forward and conference calling, are available at extra cost. Electricity and Heat. The Middle Kuskokwim Elec- tric Cooperative provides electricity and heating services for the community. The cooperative serves 32 residential customers, five businesses, and five community facilities. There is a $100 membership fee (refundable when service is dis- connected) and a $10 hookup fee. The coopera- tive provides single phase power. Residential customers are charged .5958 per kilowatt hour (1-1,000 kw); commercial customers are charged .4809 per kilowatt hour (1,000+kw). As of June, 1991, gasoline is $2.50 per gallon. Fuel oil is $2.30 per gallon. Information on fuel availability can be obtained by contacting Ken Sewell, City of Chuathbaluk. Media Services Television service is provided by the Rural Alaska Television Network (RATNET). Radio reception from Bethel and Anchorage is clear. Print media includes the Aniak Paper, Village Voice, Tundra Times, and Tundra Drums. Transportation Access to Chuathbaluk is by plane, boat, and barge. After freeze-up, motor vehicles are some- times driven on the river to nearby communities. Air. Chuathbaluk has a 1,700-foot airstrip located one mile north of the village. The airstrip is main- tained by the Alaska Department of Transporta- tion. Mark Air Express and Ryan Air Service provide scheduled weekday service. Heavy winds can cause flight delays in the fall. Round trip air fares as of June, 1991 are: $68 to Aniak, $202 to Bethel, and $522 to Anchorage. Water. Supply barges from Aniak and Bethel serve the community from June to October. Education Crow Village Sam School, part of the Kuspuk School District, serves 33 elementary and seven high school students. There are three teachers, four full and part-time support personnel, and an itinerant principal also serves the school at Crooked Creek. Health and Social Services The village health clinic was built in 1973. The clinic is leased to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation and leased by the City. There are two health aides at the clinic. Hospital services are provided at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Re- gional Hospital in Bethel or at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. Traveller Accommodations Arrangements for overnight accommodations can be made with local resident, Gary Nelson. Climate Well-insulated sewer and water pipes are required. Structures should be designed to withstand wind speeds of at least 85 mph and a snow load of approximately 63 psf. Although ice jams and seasonal high waters cause the Kuskokwim River to rise, high water presents no threat to the village. All structures are located above flood levels. Temperature Range... - 55° Fto87° F 17 inches Annual Snowfall: ...... . . 85 inches Annual Precipitation Community Development Goals and Potential Like other communities in the Middle Kuskokwim region, Chuathbaluk is rich in natural and human resources. The village wishes to cre- ate an atmosphere that will encourage develop- ment of these resources. Chuathbaluk’s goal is to stabilize the economic and social welfare of its residents through a combination of local sup- port/participation in development efforts and the utilization of technical/financial assistance from outside agencies. Establishment of tourist accommodations is a high priority for the village. For Additional Information Chuathbaluk Traditional Council P.O. Box CHU Chuathbaluk, Alaska 99557 907-467-4313 President: Sophie K. Sakar City of Chuathbaluk P.O. Box CHU Chuathbaluk, Alaska 99557-8999 907-467-4115 Mayor: David Phillips Kuskokwim Native Association P.O. Box 127 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4385 Executive Director: Leo Morgan The Kuskokwim Corporation 429 D Street, Suite 307 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 907-276-2101 CEO/President: Michael C. Harper 17. Kuspuk School District P.O. Box 108 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4250 Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative Box 37 Red Devil, Alaska 99656 907-447-3219 Contact: Gary Kessinger United Utilities, Inc. 5450 A Street Anchorage, Alaska 99518 800-478-2020 Kuskokwim Economic Development Council Box 202 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4418 Executive Director: Jeannie Wooderson 18 CROOKED CREEK Crooked Creek is located in the Kilbuck- Kuskokwim Mountains, at the Crooked Creek- Kuskokwim River juncture. The community is 51 statute miles northeast of Aniak, 141 miles north- east of Bethel, and 275 miles west of Anchorage. The village is located at 61° 52° N 158° 06° W. Elevation is 128 feet. Background In 1844, the Russian explorer, Zagoskin, re- corded the name of the creek as both Kvikchagpak, a Yup“ik Eskimo word meaning “great bend”, and as Khottylno, a Ingalik Indian word meaning “sharp turn”. The site was used as a summer camp by residents of nearby Kwigiumpainukamuit. With discovery of gold along the upper Iditarod River in 1909, a permanent settlement was es- tablished at Crooked Creek. It served as way sta- tion for the Flat and Iditarod gold mining camps, providing easy access to the Kuskokwim River. In 1914, a roadhouse was established upriver from the creek mouth in what became known as the “upper village” of Crooked Creek. A post of- fice was opened in 1927 and a school was built in 1928. The “lower village” of Crooked Creek was settled by Eskimo and Ingalik Indians. By the early 1940s, there were several log cabins, semi- subterranean houses, and a Russian Orthodox church, St. Nicholas Chapel. The upper and lower sections of Crooked Creek remain today. Population has almost doubled since 1970. Economic Base and Employment Most livelihoods in Crooked Creek are heavily dependent on subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering activities. Residents hunt beaver, muskrat, game birds, hare, moose, caribou, and waterfowl. During the summer, fishing in Crooked Creek and the Kuskokwim River pro- vides a variety of salmon and other fish species. Various berries and edible plants are harvested in the fall. Some income is obtained from trapping and pelt sales. Limited year-round or seasonal jobs are provided by government programs, the school district, and local support services. 1990 U.S. Census Data Local Government Crooked Creek is an unincorporated community within the Unorganized Borough of Alaska; it has no city or village council. The Native population is represented by a five- member Traditional Council. As the official tribal governing body of the village, the Council is eligible to administer various federal programs and grants. In Crooked Creek, the Council has sponsored training pro- grams on land administration and tribal govern- ment skills. It has also built a community hall. In FY 1991, the Traditional Council received $11,920 in State Revenue Sharing funds; another $782 was distributed to the Crooked Creek Vol- unteer Fire Department. Land Availability Property in Crooked Creek comes under several jurisdictions. The Kuskokwim Corporation man- ages lands conveyed to it as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). The Crooked Creek Traditional Council oversees former Bureau of Land Management townsite lands that have been transferred to the Council 19 by BLM. Native allotment lands, originally man- aged by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, are now managed through the Kuskokwim Native Association’s BIA real estate program. These or- ganizations can provide general information about properties available for private or business development and can assist in determining the status of specific properties. Utilities Water. Groundwater supply for residents and the laundromat is a 40-foot well, located at a central watering point. The well is maintained by the vil- lage; water is hauled by hand. The school, com- mercial store, and old BIA school building have the only other wells in the village. Surface water is sometimes drawn from the river; residents re- port that water quality is suspect. Sewer and Solid Waste Disposal. Sewage and solid waste disposal is handled on an individual basis. The solid waste disposal site is located 0.25 miles from the village near the airstrip. Honey buckets and pit privies are used for wastewater disposal. The school has a septic tank with drainfield. Telephone. Telephone service is provided by Bush-Tell, Inc. There are 17 residential lines, 12 business lines, and one pay phone in the village. Residential rates are $21.50 per month. Business rates are $34.50 per month. Some custom tele- phone features, such as call forward and confer- ence calling, are available at extra cost. Electricity and Heat. Electric service is provided by the Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative. Power is provided to 34 homes, nine businesses, and three community facilities. Power is single phase, except for the school which receives three-phase. There is a $100 membership fee (refunded when service is discontinued) and a $10 hookup fee. The residential rate is 5859 per kwh ; the commercial rate is .4809 per kwh. As of June, 1991, gasoline is $2.45 per gallon. Fuel oil for home heating is $2.10 per gallon (ex- pected to increase soon). Fuel can be obtained from resident Dennis Thomas. 20 Media Services Television service is provided by the Rural Alaska Television Network (RATNET). Radio reception is sporadic. Newspapers include the Tundra Drums, Village Voice, Aniak Paper, and Anchorage news- papers; all are 3-5 days old when received. Transportation Crooked Creek is accessible by air throughout the year, by water during the summer, and by surface after the Kuskokwim River freezes. Air. Crooked Creek has a 2,100-foot gravel air- strip, southwest of the village, that is owned and operated by the state. Mark Air Express and Ryan Air Service provide scheduled weekday service. High winds often create flight delays in the fall and winter. Round trip air fares as of June, 1991 are: $102 to Aniak, $236 to Bethel, and $556 to Anchorage. Water. Supply barges serve Crooked Creek dur- ing summer months. There is also some private boating activity. Surface. Crooked Creek has no road connections to other communities. There is a dirt road, ap- proximately 1.5 miles long, that connects the upper and lower villages and the airstrip. A sus- pension bridge over Crooked Creek also con- nects the two village segments. Education Johnnie John, Sr. School, part of the Kuspuk School District, serves 16 elementary and six high school students. There are three teachers (one serves as a principal-teacher) and two class- room aides. Health and Social Services The village health clinic is operated by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. There are two health aides at the clinic. Hospital services are provided at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Re- gional Hospital in Bethel or at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. Traveller Accommodations Transient accommodations are provided year- round at Thomas' Roadhouse. Climate Crooked Creek’s climate is considered continen- tal. To avoid permafrost damage, structures are commonly built on pilings or ground pads; sewer and water pipes are well insulated. Struc- tures should be designed to withstand wind speeds of at least 85 mph and a snow load of approximately 30 psf. Temperature Range. . . - 59° Fto94° F 17 inches 85 inches Annual Precipitation Annual Snowfall Community Development Goals and Potential Crooked Creek is striving to increase employ- ment opportunities for its residents, and has identified need for at least 15 more local jobs. Village residents are developing a market for lo- cal handmade products and have been instru- mental in the establishment of the Interior Rivers Arts and Crafts Cooperative, scheduled to open in Aniak in September, 1991. There is potential for tourism that the village wants to see devel- oped, including working artisan exhibits. For Additional Information Bush-Tell, Inc. P.O. Box 105 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4311 Crooked Creek Traditional Council General Delivery Crooked Creek, Alaska 99575 907-432-2204 /2227 President: Mishka Andreanoff, Sr. Kuskokwim Native Association P.O. Box 127 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4384 Executive Director: Leo Morgan The Kuskokwim Corporation 429 D Street, Suite 307 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 907-276-2101 CEO/President: Michael C. Harper Kuspuk School District P.O. Box 108 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4250 Kuskokwim Economic Development Council Box 207 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4418 Executive Director: Jeannie Wooderson Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative Box 37 Red Devil, Alaska 99656 907-447-3219 Contact: Gary Kessinger 21 LIME VILLAGE Lime Village is on the south bank of the Stony River, 50 miles from the Kuskokwim River-Stony River juncture. The village is 111 statute miles south of McGrath, 137 miles east of Aniak, and 185 miles west of Anchorage. It is located at 61° 21° N 155° 28° W. Elevation is 552 feet. Background Lime Village is named for the limestone hills that surround it. Earliest known settlement dates from 1907 when Paul, Evan, and Zacar Constantinoff lived in the area. People from nearby Lake Clark came to fish during summer months. The 1939 census referred to the community as “Hungry Village.” A Russian Orthodox chapel, Saints Constantine and Helen, was built in 1960. A state school was constructed in 1974. Village population has increased 68% since 1970. Economic Base and Employment Livelihoods are primarily based on subsistence hunting, fishing and gathering. Hunting includes black and brown bear, moose, caribou, water- fowl, and ptarmigan. Fishing includes a variety of salmon and other species. Some income is ob- tained through trapping and pelt sales. Limited seasonal employment is provided firefighting for the Bureau of Land Management or through the Iditarod School District. Local Government Lime Village is an unincorporated community within the Unorganized Borough of Alaska. A five-member Village Council represents the com- munity, but does not have the governing author- ity associated with a city council or tribal organization. The Native population is repre- sented by a seven-member Traditional Council, recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Traditional Council has built a community hall. Land Availability Property in Lime Village comes under several ju- risdictions. The Lime Village Company manages lands conveyed by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. The Lime Village Traditional Council oversees lands that were transferred to the council by the Bureau of Land Management. Native allotment lands, originally managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, are now managed through the Kuskokwim Native Association’s BIA real estate program. These organizations can provide general information about lands avail- able for private or business development and can assist in determining the status of specific prop- erties. Some parcels may also be available from private owners. 1990 U.S. Census Data Utilities Water. Surface water is drawn from the Stony River and hauled by hand. Water quality is ac- ceptable. There is also a community watering point, developed by the Village Safe Water Divi- sion. Water from this source is hauled by hand. Sewer and Solid Waste Disposal. Individuals either dump or burn waste materials. The village does not have a designated dump site or landfill. Waste water is disposed in pit privies. The school has a septic tank (seepage pit has collapsed). Telephone. Telephone service is provided by United Utilities, Inc. There are ten one-party lines and one pay phone in the village. Residential rates are $22.73 per month. Residential hookup 23 is $37.50 (wiring in place) or $127.25 (wire in- stallation required). A $50 deposit is required. Some custom telephone features are available at extra cost. Electricity and Heat. There is no electric service in Lime Village. Gasoline cannot be purchased in the village (closest availability is Stony River). Fuel oil is brought in for the school and clinic. Media Services Television is available via the Rural Alaska Televi- sion Network (RATNET). With groundwire and antenna radio reception is good from McGrath and Anchorage. The Tundra Drums, Tundra Times, and Anchorage newspapers are at least a week old when received. Transportation Access to the community is limited to small boats and planes; after freeze-up, dog teams and snowmachines also provide access. There are no roads connecting Lime Village to other commu- nities. The gravel runway north of the village is leased and maintained by the Alaska Department of Transportation. Mark Air Express brings in a mail plane once a week, weather permitting. Poor weather and heavy winds can curtail air ac- cess to Lime Village for up to two weeks in the fall and winter. Round trip air fares as of June, 1991 are: $176 to McGrath and $624 to Anchorage. Education The Lime Village School, part of the Iditarod School District, has five students. There is one teacher and one classroom aide. The school is served by an itinerant principal, home-based in Nikolai. High school education is provided in McGrath, or through correspondence. Health and Social Services The village clinic is operated by the Yukon- Kuskokwim Health Corporation. The clinic has one health aide. Patients who require hospital- ization are transferred to the Alaska Native Medi- cal Center in Anchorage. Traveller Accommodations There are currently no overnight transient facili- ties at Lime Village. 24 Climate The climate in Lime Village is considered conti- nental. To avoid permafrost damage, structures are commonly built on pilings or ground pads. Structures should be designed to withstand wind speeds of at least 95 mph and a snow load of approximately 30 psf. Temperature Range. . . -47° F to 82° F 22 inches 85 inches Annual Precipitation Annual Snowfall Community Development Goals and Potential Lime Village has identified priority needs to relo- cate and improve the airstrip; bring electric ser- vice to the village; develop a fuel company; move forward with a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing project; and develop tourism opportunities. For Additional Information Iditarod School District P.O. Box 90 McGrath, Alaska 99627 907-524-3033 Kuskokwim Native Association P.O. Box 127 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4385 Executive Director: Leo Morgan The Kuskokwim Corporation 429 D Street, Suite 307 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 CEO/President: Michael C. Harper Lime Village Traditional Council General Delivery Lime Village, Alaska 907-526-5126 President: Phillip Bobby United Utilities, Inc. 5450 A Street Anchorage, Alaska 99518 800-478-2020 Kuskokwim Economic Development Council Box 207 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4418 Executive Director: Jeannie Wooderson RED DEVIL Red Devil is on the banks of the Kuskokwim River at the mouth of Red Devil Creek; 75 statute miles northeast of Aniak, 161 miles northeast of Bethel, and 250 miles west of Anchorage. It is at 61° 46° N 157° 18” W. Elevation is 210 feet. Background The village is the namesake of the Red Devil Mine. The mine was started in 1921 by Hans Halverson, following the discovery of quicksilver deposits in the nearby Kilbuck-Kuskokwim Mountains. By 1933, the mine was producing substantial quantities of mercury. From 1939 to 1946, the mine operated as the Kuskokwim Min- ing Company; it reopened in 1950 as the Decourcy Mountain Mining Company. A post office was established in 1957 and a state school in 1958. By 1971, ore reserves were depleted and the mine closed, signalling the loss of Red Devil’s economic base. Population dropped from 152 persons in 1960 to 81 persons in 1970. Population has declined 65% since 1970. Economic Base and Employment There are minimal employment opportunities in Red Devil. Residents primarily rely on subsistence fishing, hunting, and gathering for their liveli- hoods. Local businesses and the school provide some employment; summer seasonal work is sometimes available firefighting for the Bureau of Land Management or commercial fishing. The Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission reports that one salmon gillnet permit was fished by a Red Devil resident in 1989. Local Government Red Devil is an unincorporated community within the Unorganized Borough of Alaska. The Red Devil Corporation is currently acting in the capacity of village council, but does not have the governing authority associated with a city or tribal council. In FY1991, the Red Devil Corpora- tion received $11,920 in State-Revenue Sharing. The Native population is represented by a three- member Traditional Council, recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Council has spon- sored training programs on land management and has also built a community hall. 1990 U.S. Census Data Land Availability Property in Red Devil comes under several juris- dictions. The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) manages lands conveyed to it as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). The municipal land trustee of the State will ad- minister lands for community expansion and municipal purposes once they are conveyed by TKC. Native allotment lands, originally managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, are now man- aged through the BIA real estate program of the Kuskokwim Native Association. These organiza- tions can provide general information about properties available for private or business devel- opment and can assist in determining the status of specific properties. Some parcels may also be available from private owners. Utilities Water. Groundwater is provided by individual wells, drilled to 18-foot depth. The water is hauled by hand. Water quality is acceptable, al- though some wells have high iron content. Resi- dents also haul water from the nearby creek. The school and cafe have 30-foot wells. Sewer and Solid Waste Disposal. Solid waste and wastewater are disposed on an individual basis. Solid waste is burned or dumped at an open site north of the airstrip. The school and six homes have septic tanks and drainfields. All others use pit privies. 25 Telephone. Telephone service is provided by Bush-Tell, Inc. There are five residential lines, six business lines, and one pay phone in the village. Residential rates are $21.50 per month. Business rates are $34.50 per month. Some custom tele- phone features are available at extra cost. Electricity and Heat. Electric service is provided by the Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative. As of June, 1991, gasoline is available through the village at $2.50 per gallon; from private distribu- tors for $2.25 per gallon. Fuel oil is available through the village at $2.00 per gallon. Media Services Television service is available through the Rural Alaska Television Network (RATNET). With an ex- ternal antenna, radio reception is excellent from - Anchorage, McGrath, Nome, Fairbanks, and Dillingham. The Tundra Drums from Bethel is brought in weekly. Transportation The Kuskokwim River provides water access dur- ing the summer, surface access after the river freezes in the winter. A 4,000-foot gravel runway provides year-round air access. The airstrip is owned and operated by the Alaska Department of Transportation. Mark Air Express and Ryan Air Service provide regular weekday service. High winds often cause flight delays in fall and winter . Round trip air fares as of June, 1991 are: $134 to Aniak, $268 to Bethel, and $588 to Anchorage. Education The George Willis, Sr. School, part of the Kuspuk School District, serves five elementary and two high school students. There is one teacher and two support staff. The principal in Red Devil also serves the schools at Sleetmute and Stony River. Health and Social Services The village has a health clinic, owned by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. As of June, 1991, there is no resident health aide in Red Devil. Services are provided through the health aide in Stony River. Native residents re- quiring hospitalization are served at the Yukon- Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel, or transferred to the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. Hospital services for white resi- dents are usually obtained in Anchorage. Traveller Accommodations There are currently no overnight transient facili- ties at Red Devil. With prior arrangement, ac- 26 commodations are sometimes available at Mer- cury Inn, owned by the Vanderpool family. Climate Red Devil’s climate is considered continental. To avoid permafrost damage, structures are com- monly built on pilings or ground pads. Structures should be designed to withstand wind speeds of at least 85 mph and a snow load of approxi- mately 25 psf. Temperature Range. . . -58° F to 90° F Annual Precipitation ...... 20 inches Annual Snowfall . . 85 inches For Additional Information Bush-Tell, Inc. P.O. Box 105 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4311 Kuskokwim Native Association P.O. Box 127 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4384 Executive Director: Leo Morgan The Kuskokwim Corporation 429 D Street, Suite 307 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 CEO/President: Michael C. Harper Kuspuk School District P.O. Box 108 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4250 Red Devil Traditional Council General Delivery Red Devil, Alaska 99656 Red Devil Corporation General Delivery Red Devil, Alaska 99656 907-447-3217 Secretary-Treasurer: Gary Kessinger Kuskokwim Economic Development Council Box 207 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4418 Executive Director: Jeannie Wooderson Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative Box 37 : Red Devil, Alaska 99656 907-447-3219 Contact: Gary Kessinger RUSSIAN MISSION Russian Mission is in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta on the west bank of the Yukon River, 25 miles southeast of Fortuna Ledge. The village is 70 statute miles northeast of Bethel and 376 miles west of Anchorage. It is located at 61° 47° N 161° 19” W. Elevation is 70 feet. Background Russian Mission was established in 1837 as a fur trading post for the Russian American Company. In 1842, the Russian explorer, Alexseev Zagoskin, recorded an Eskimo village at the same location, /kogmiut, meaning “people of the point.” In 1857, Jacob Netzuetov, a Russian- Aleut priest, established the first Russian Ortho- dox mission for interior Alaska at the site. The mission was renamed from Pokrovskaya Mission to Russian Mission in 1900. Russian Mission’s population levels have fluctu- ated significantly over the last 100 years. In 1880, there were 143 residents. Population grew to 350 persons by 1902 and then dropped sharply. In 1960, Russian Missian had 102 resi- dents. Population increased more than 40% be- tween 1960 and 1970; it increased another 68% between 1970 and 1990. Economic Base and Employment Employment opportunities are provided by local public services and commercial fishing. The Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission reports that one halibut long-line, one dungeness crab pot, and 16 salmon gillnet per- mits were fished by Russian Mission residents in 1989. The salmon permits alone were estimated to generate $186,296 in gross earnings. Other summer seasonal employment includes local construction work and firefighting for the Bureau of Land Management. Livelihoods are supplemented by subsistence ac- tivities. Residents hunt moose, black bear, ptar- migan, waterfowl, porcupine, and rabbit. Fishing includes salmon, blackfish, whitefish, sheefish, pike and burbot. In the fall, blueberries, black- berries, salmon berries, raspberries, and high and low bush cranberries are harvested. Some income is earned from trapping and pelt sales. 1990 U.S. Census Data Local Government Russian Mission incorporated as a second class city in 1970. It is governed by a seven-member city council from which the mayor is elected. Municipal powers govern the community’s wa- ter, sewers, police protection, community cen- ter, and laundromat operation. An Advisory School Board has been formed. In FY1991, the City of Russian Mission received $51,815 in Mu- nicipal Assistance and State Revenue Sharing Funds. The Native population is represented by a seven-member Traditional Council. As the official tribal governing body of the village, the Council is eligible to administer various federal programs and grants. Land Availability Property in Russian Mission comes under several jurisdictions. The Kuskokwim Corporation is re- sponsible for lands conveyed to it as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). Former Bureau of Land Management townsite lands have been transferred to the Rus- 27 sian Mission Traditional Council. Native allot- ment lands, originally managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, are now managed through the Kuskokwim Native Association’s BIA real estate program. These organizations can provide infor- mation about lands available for private or busi- ness development and can assist in determining the status of specific properties. Some parcels may also be available from private owners. Utilities Water. A community water system, consisting of a 128-foot well and treatment building, was in- stalled by the Public Health Service in 1970. The system is now owned and operated by the city. The water is treated (chlorination and fluorida- tion); water quality is acceptable. Water is trans- ported by buried pipe to 53 homes, the school, and clinic. As of August, 1991, the city will charge $15/month for water/sewer combined. Sewer and Solid Waste Disposal. Solid waste is dis- posed by individuals in a landfill located 300 yards from the townsite. The Public Health Ser- vice has installed a community sewer system, now owned and operated by the city. Fifty-seven homes use the system. Sewage is treated in a fenced lagoon area. Telephone. Telephone service is provided by United Utilities, Inc. There are 19 residential and business lines in the community and one pay phone. Residential rates are $22.73 per month. A $50 deposit is required. Residential hookups are $37.50 (wiring in place); or $127.50 (wire instal- lation required). Business rates are $34.00 per month. A $100 deposit is required. Business hookups are $39.50 (wiring in place); or $129.50 (wire installation required). Custom telephone features are available at extra cost. Electricity and Heat. Alaska Village Electric Coop- erative provides electric services to Russian Mis- sion. There are 51 residential and 12 commercial/public customers. The residential base rate is $18.60 per month. The commercial base rate is $34.20 per month (less than 2,880 kwh) or $250 per month (over 2,880 kwh). As of June, 1991, gasoline ranges from $2.25 to $2.40 per gallon. Fuel oil for heating is $2.25 per gallon. Regular gas and heating oil are available at the Native Corporation store. 28 Media Services Russian Mission residents receive television via the Rural Alaska Television Network (RATNET). There is clear radio reception from Bethel, Nome, and Anchorage. The Tundra Drums news- paper is available daily.” Transportation The location of Russian Mission on the Yukon River provides water access by barge and small - boats. During summer months, commercial barge lines deliver fuel and other bulk supplies. Although there are no roads connecting Russian Mission to other communities, the Kuskokwim River provides surface access after freeze-up in the winter. Air. Russian Mission has a 2700-foot gravel air- strip that is owned and operated by the Alaska Department of Transportation. Mark Air Express and Ryan Air Service provide scheduled daily ser- vice. Heavy north winds often limit air access in the fall and winter; the airstrip is sometimes flooded in spring. Round trip air fares as of June, 1991 are: $134 to Aniak, $268 to Bethel and $588 to Anchorage. Education The Russian Mission School, part of the Lower Yukon School District, serves 80 students in kin- dergarten through twelfth grades. A counsellor visits on site 2-3 times a week. School staff in- cludes a principal, nine teachers and eleven sup- port personnel. Health and Social Services The Russian Mission health clinic is operated by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. There are two health aides. In addition, the com- munity is visited regularly by a state public health nurse. Hospital services are provided at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel or at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. Traveller Accommodations There are currently no overnight transient facili- ties at Russian Mission. Climate Russian Mission’s climate is considered both maritime and continental, with maritime having the greater influence. Structures should be de- signed to withstand wind speeds of at least 85 mph and a snow load of 70 psf. Most structures are built on pilings to reduce permafrost dam- age. Low-lying areas of the community are sus- ceptible to flooding caused by ice jams. Temperature Range... -54° F to 86° F 16 inchs 60 inches Annual Precipitation Annual Snowfall Community Development Goals and Potential The Russian Mission Traditional Council is inter- ested in promoting economic development that will provide employment opportunities for local residents. The Council has recently initiated ef- forts to establish a farm project, similar to the one in Aniak. The farm project is funded by a grant from the Association of Native Americans. For Additional Alaska Village Electric Cooperative 4831 Eagle Street Anchorage, Alaska 907-561-1818 City of Russian Mission P.O. Box 49 Russian Mission, Alaska 99657 907-584-5111 Vice-Mayor: Larry Evan Lower Yukon School District P.O. Box 089 Mountain Village, Alaska 99632 907-591-2829 Kuskokwim Native Association P.O. Box 127 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4385 Executive Director: Leo Morgan Information The Kuskokwim Corporation 429 D Street, Suite 307 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 907-276-2101 CEO/President: Michael C. Harper Russian Mission Traditional Council General Delivery Russian Mission, Alaska 99657 907-584-5885 President: Art Vaska Kuskokwim Economic Development Council Box 207 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4418 Executive Director: Jeannie Wooderson 29 SLEETMUTE Sleetmute is on the east bank of the Kuskokwim River. It is 79 statute miles east of Aniak, 166 miles northeast of Bethel, and 243 miles west of Anchorage. It is located at 61° 42” N 157° 10° W. Elevation is 225 feet . Background Sleetmute was founded by Ingalik Indians. The name means “whetstone people”, referring to slate deposits that are found nearby. The village has also been known as Sikmiut, Steelmut and Steitmute. In the early 1830s, the Russians devel- oped a trading post at the juncture of the Holitna and Kuskokwim Rivers, approximately 1.5 miles from the present townsite. In 1841, the post was moved 100 miles downriver. Frederick Bishop started a trading post at Sleetmute in 1906. A school opened in 1921 and a post office was es- tablished in 1923. Saints Peter and Paul Mission Orthodox Church was constructed in 1931. Economic Base and Employment Residents rely on subsistence hunting, fishing and gathering activities. Many residents travel to fish camps during the summer to catch and pre- pare salmon. They also catch whitefish, sheefish, trout, pike, grayling, burbot, char, and Dolly Varden. Hunting includes moose, bear, ptarmi- gan, waterfowl, porcupine, and rabbit. Various berries are gathered in the fall. Summer seasonal employment includes firefighting for the Bureau of Land Management and cannery work in other communities. 1990 U.S. Census Data Local Government Sleetmute is an unincorporated community within the Unorganized Borough of Alaska. A seven-member Village Council represents the community, but does not have the governing authority associated with a city council or tribal organization. The Council is currently working in cooperation with the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) on a local housing project. The AVCP is sponsoring the construction of nine homes, scheduled for completion by Oc- tober, 1991. The Village Council received $11,920 in State Revenue Sharing Funds in FY1991; another $717 was distributed to the Sleetmute Volunteer Fire Department. The Na- tive population is represented by a five-member Traditional Council. The Council has sponsored training programs in land management and has built a community hall. Land Availability Property in Sleetmute comes under several juris- dictions. The Kuskokwim Corporation manages lands conveyed by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). The municipal land trustee of the state administers lands conveyed for community expansion and municipal pur- poses. Native allotment lands, originally man- aged by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, are now managed under the BIA real estate program of the Kuskokwim Native Association. These organi- zations can provide general information about properties available for private or business devel- opment and can assist in determining the status of specific properties. Some parcels may also be available from private owners. Utilities Water. Groundwater is provided by individual wells, drilled to 18-foot depth. Hand pumps are used to fill gravity storages tank at each house. The Public HealthService renovated the wells in 1982 to eliminate sand infiltration. There is also a community well and watering point; water qual- ity is not acceptable. 31 Sewer and Solid Waste Disposal. Solid waste and wastewater are disposed on an individual basis. There is a solid waste disposal site .5 miles south- east of the airstrip. Privies, honey buckets, and seepage pits are used for wastewater disposal. The school has a septic tank and drainfield. Telephone. Telephone service is provided by Bush-Tell, Inc. There are ten residential lines, nine business lines, and one pay phone in the vil- lage. Residential rates are $21.50 per month. Business rates are $34.50 per month. Electricity and Heat. Electric service is provided by the Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative. As of June, 1991, gasoline is $12/five gallons. Fuel oil is $110-$120 per drum. Fuel is available through the Village Council. Media Services Television service is available via the Rural Alaska Television Network (RATNET). With groundwire and antenna, good radio reception is received from McGrath, Bethel, Nome, and Anchorage. Transportation The Kuskokwim River provides water access dur- ing the summer and surface access after freeze- up in the winter. The 2,400-foot gravel airstrip, located 0.25 mile east of the village, provides year-round air access. The airstrip is maintained by the Alaska Department of Transportation. Mark Air Express and Ryan Air Service provide scheduled weekday service. High winds often cause flight delays in the fall and winter. Round trip air fares as of June, 1991 are: $134 to Aniak, $268 to Bethel, and $588 to Anchorage. Education The Sleetmute School, part of the Kuspuk School District, has ten elementary and seven high school students. There are two teachers and five support staff. An itinerant principal, home-based in Red Devil, serves the school at Sleetmute. Health and Social Services The village health clinic is operated by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. The clinic is staffed by two health aides. Hospital ser- vices are provided at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel or at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. Traveller Accommodations Overnight transient facilities are planned to open in the fall of 1991. 32 Climate Sleetmute’s climate is considered continental. To avoid permafrost damage, structures are com- monly built on pilings or ground pads. Structures should be designed to withstand wind speeds of at least 85 mph and a snow load of approxi- mately 25 psf. Temperature Range. . . -58° F to 90° F 22 inches 85 inches Annual Precipitation Annual Snowfall Community Development Goals and Potential Sleetmute has identified need for at least 40 local jobs. Renovation efforts are currently underway to provide a restaurant and lodge accommoda- tions for business and recreational visitors. For Additional Information Bush-Tell, Inc. P.O. Box 105 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4311 The Kuskokwim Corporation 429 D Street, Suite 307 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 CEO/President: Michael C. Harper Kuskokwim Native Association P.O. Box 127 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4384 Executive Director: Leo Morgan Kuspuk School District P.O. Box 108 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4250 Sleetmute Traditional Council General Delivery Sleetmute, Alaska 99668 907-449-4223 President: Jennie Zaukar Sleetmute Village Council P.O. Box 36 Sleetmute, Alaska 99668 907-449-4226 Secretary: Sophie Andreanoff Kuskokwim Economic Development Council Box 207 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4418 Executive Director: Jeannie Wooderson Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative Box 37 Red Devil, Alaska 99656 907-447-3219 Contact: Gary Kessinger STONY RIVER Stony River is on the north bank of the Kuskokwim River, two miles from the Kuskokwim-Stony River juncture. The village is 99 statute miles east of Aniak, 185 miles north- east of Bethel, and 225 miles west of Anchorage. It is located at 61° 47° N 156° 35° W. Elevation is 230 feet. Background Stony River originated as a trading post and riverboat landing to supply mining operations in the north. The first trading post opened in 1930 and a post office was established in 1935. These facilities were used by Eskimos and Natives living nearby. By the early 1960s, several families had established year-round residency and a school was opened. Stony River has also been known as Moose Village and Moose Creek. Economic Base and Employment Residents primarily rely on subsistence fishing, hunting, and gathering activities for their liveli- hoods. Fishing includes salmon, whitefish, bur- bot, grayling, and trout. Hunting includes moose, caribou, bear, waterfowl, ptarmigan, rabbit, and porcupine. Various berries are gath- ered in the fall. Summer seasonal employment is sometimes available firefighting for the Bureau of Land Management. 1990 U.S. Census Data Local Government Stony River is an unincorporated community within the Unorganized Borough of Alaska; it has no city or village council. The Native population is represented by a five-member Traditional Council, recognized by the Bureau of Indian Af- fairs. The Council has sponsored training pro- grams for land management and built a community hall. In FY1991, the Traditional Council received $11,920 in State Revenue Shar- ing funds; another $510 was distributed to the Stony River Volunteer Fire Department. Two state Rural Development Assistance (RDA-RED!) grants have also been awarded to the Council to provide fire equipment and storage facilities for the village. Land Availability Property in Stony River comes under several juris- dictions. The Kuskokwim Corporation manages lands conveyed by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). The Stony River Tradi- tional Council oversees former Bureau of Land Management townsite lands that have been transferred to the Council by the BLM. Native al- lotment lands, originally managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, are now managed under the Kuskokwim Native Association’s BIA real estate program. These organizations can provide infor- mation about properties available for private or business development and can assist in deter- mining the status of specific properties. Some parcels may be available from private owners. Utilities Water. Groundwater is supplied by individual wells, drilled to 25-ft depth. Water quality is ac- ceptable. There are wells at the school and clinic. Sewer and Solid Waste Disposal. Solid waste and wastewater are disposed on an individual basis. There is a solid waste disposal landfill one-half mile from the school. Honey buckets and privies are used for wastewater disposal. The school has a septic tank and drainfield. 33 Telephone. Telephone service is provided by Bush-Tell, Inc.. There are six residential lines and nine business lines in the village. Residential rates are $21.50 per month; business rates are $34.50. Electricity and Heat. Electric service is provided by the Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative. As of June, 1991, gasoline is $2.20/gallon. Fuel oil is $2.00/gallon. Unleaded gas, diesel and heating oil are available through the Traditional Council. Media Services Television service is available through the Rural Alaska Television Network (RATNET). There is no reliable radio reception and no regular newspa- per delivery. Transportation The Kuskokwim River and Stony River provide water access during the summer and surface ac- cess after the rivers freeze in the winter. Stony River’s 2,300-foot gravel runway provides year- round air access. The airstrip is state owned and operated. Mark Air Express and Ryan Air Service provide regular weekday service. High winds of- ten cause flight delays in the fall and winter . Round trip air fares as of June, 1991 are: $144 to Aniak, $278 to Bethel, and $598 to Anchorage. Education The Gusty Michael School, part of the Kuspuk School District, serves eight elementary and seven high school students. There are two teach- ers at the school and four support staff. The school is served by an itinerant principal, home- based in Red Devil. Health and Social Services The village clinic, built in 1978, is operated by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. The clinic is staffed by two health aides. Hospital ser- vices are provided at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel or at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. Traveller Accommodations Transient facilities open in fall of 1991. Freezer/ cooler space will be provided for fish and game. Climate Stony River’s climate is considered to be conti- nental. Although permafrost has not been identi- fied in Stony River, the area exhibits signs of susceptibility. To avoid permafrost damage, structures are commonly built on pilings or 34 ground pads. Structures should be designed to withstand wind speeds of at least 85 mph and a snow load of approximately 25 psf. -58° F to 90° F 22 inches 85 inches Temperature Range... Annual Precipitation Annual Snowfall Community Development Goals and Potential The village would like to develop more tourism. Residents are working with the Kuskokwim Eco- nomic Development Council and the Kuskokwim Native Association to identify and implement specific local business opportunities. Village rep- resentatives have identified need for at least 30 local jobs. For Additional Information Bush-Tell, Inc. P.O. Box 105 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4311 The Kuskokwim Corporation 429 D Street, Suite 307 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 907-276-2101 CEO/President: Michael C. Harper The Kuskokwim Native Association P.O. Box 127 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4384 Executive Director: Leo Morgan Kuspuk School District P.O. Box 108 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4250 Stony River Traditional Council General Delivery Stony River, Alaska 99557 907-537-3216 President: Andrew Gusty Middle Kuskokwim Electric Coop. Box 37 Red Devil, Alaska 99656 907-447-3219 Contact: Gary Kessinger Kuskokwim Economic Development Council Box 207 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4418 Executive Director: Jeannie Wooderson THE KALSKAGS Upper Kalskag and Lower Kalskag are on the north bank of the Kuskokwim River, 28 statute miles west of Aniak, 68 miles northeast of Bethel, and 348 miles west of Anchorage. The Kalskags are located at 61° 31° N 160° 21° W (the two communities are approximately two miles apart). Elevation is 49 feet. Background The Kalskags were settled in the early 1900s by families from the Eskimo village of Kaltkhagamute. Paul N. Kameroff, Sr., estab- lished a general store, pool hall and coffee shop at Upper Kalskagr in the 1930s. The Bureau of Education School was built in 1932. The commu- nity owned a herd of 2,100 reindeer. Over the years, villagers from Ohogamiute, Russian Mis- sion, and Paimute, moved to Upper Kalskag. Until the 1930s, the nearby village of Lower Kalskag was used as a summer fish camp by Up- per Kalskag families. In 1930, people began to establish year-round homes. Religious differ- ences between the two villages played a part in the settling of Lower Kalskag. The upper village was predominantly Roman Catholic. Many of its Russian orthodox residents moved to Lower Kalskag after the Russian Orthodox Chapel of St. Seraphim was built in 1940. A school was built in the lower village in 1959, followed by a post of- fice (1962), sawmill (1965), and power plant (1969). Lower Kalskag’s population has in- creased 59% since 1970; in Upper Kalskag, there has been a 41% increase. Economic Base and Employment Residents of The Kalskags rely heavily on subsis- tence activities for their livelihoods. Villagers hunt moose, black bear, rabbit, game birds, por- cupine, and waterfowl. Fishing includes salmon, pike, whitefish, blackfish and eel. A variety of fur- bearing animals are trapped. Raspberries, cran- berries, blackberries, and currants are gathered in the fall. Both communities have some commercial fish- ing. The Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Com- mission reports that one herring and two salmon gillnet permits were fished by Upper Kalskag resi- dents in 1989; two salmon gillnet permits were fished by Lower Kalskag residents. Local resi- dents report that there are currently seven com- mercial licenses in Upper Kalskag and four in Lower Kalskag. Both communities also have some public employment opportunities with their respective city, school, and health services. Other local employment is provided by the post office, the Alaska Village Electric Cooperative, and the Bureau of Land Management for sea- sonal firefighting. 1990 U.S. Census Data , Lower Kalskag “City officials report a total population of 305. Land Availability Property in The Kalskags comes under several ju- risdictions. The Kuskokwim Corporation man- ages lands conveyed to it as a result of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). The Up- per Kalskag and Lower Kalskag municipal gov- ernments oversee former Bureau of Land Management townsite lands that have been transferred, or are in the process of being trans- ferred, by BLM. Native allotment lands, originally managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, are now managed through the Kuskokwim Native Association’s BIA real estate program. These or- ganizations can provide general information 35 about properties available for private or business development and can assist in determining the status of specific properties. Some parcels may also be available from private owners. 1990 U.S. Census Data, Upper Kalskag Local Government Lower Kalskag incorporated as a second class city in 1969; Upper Kalskag incorporated in 1975. Each community is governed by a seven-mem- ber city council from which their mayors are elected. Upper Kalskag has assumed municipal powers for the cemetery, police protection, com- munity centers and recreation facilities. In FY1991, the City of Upper Kalskag received $45,749 in Municipal Assistance and State Rev- enue Sharing. Lower Kalskag has municipal pow- ers for water, sewers, police protection, community centers and recreation facilities. In FY1991, the City of Lower Kalskag received $69,087 in Municipal Assistance and State Rev- enue Sharing. The Native population in each community is rep- resented by a five-member Traditional Council. As the official tribal governing bodies of the vil- lages, the Traditional Councils are eligible to ad- minister various federal programs and grants. In The Kalskags, the Councils have sponsored train- ing programs on land administration and tribal government skills. The Lower Kalskag Traditional Council meets twice monthly, and is an active participant in the Kuskokwim Native Association. 36 Utilities Water. In Upper Kalskag, groundwater is sup- plied by a community well with watering point. Water is hauled by hand. Nine homes have piped wells, The school and store have individual wells. Residents without wells haul water from an un- developed spring and from the school. Lower Kalskag has a community water system, with an 85-ft well and treatment building, devel- oped by the Public Health Service. The system provides piped water to most homes, the school, and clinic. The water is treated (chlorination/ fluoridation); water quality is acceptable. City water charge is $31/month (no tub or shower in home); $42/month (with tub or shower). Sewer and Solid Waste Disposal. Solid waste is burned or dumped at a site located between Upper and Lower Kalskag near the airstrip. In Upper Kalskag, honey buckets, pit privies, and two 2,000-gallon septic tanks are used for waste- water disposal. The school, store, and clinic have septic systems with crib disposal. Lower Kalskag has a 10,000-gallon community septic tank with drainfield. The school, clinic, and some homes have individual septic tanks with drainfields. Drainfield problems are chronic. Telephone. Telephone service is provided to both Upper Kalskag and Lower Kalskag by Bush-Tell, Inc.. There are currently 68 residential one-party lines, 27 business lines, and three pay phones in the two communities. Residential rates are $21.50/month; business rates are $34.50. Electricity and Heat. Alaska Village Electric Coop- erative provides electric services to Upper Kalskag and Lower Kalskag. There are 47 residen- tial customers in Upper Kalskag; 67 in Lower Kalskag. Residential customers are charged a minimum of $18.60 per month. Electric service is provided to ten commercial/institutional cus- tomers in Upper Kalskag; nine in Lower Kalskag. The commercial base rate is $34.20 per month (less than 2,880 kwh); $250 per month (more than 2,880 kwh). As of June, 1991, gasoline is $2.45 per gallon. Fuel oil is $123 for a 55-gallon drum. Informa- tion on fuel availability can be obtained by con- tacting residents Dunia Morgan and Fern Parent. Media Services Television is available to Lower Kalskag and Up- per Kalskag via the Rural Alaska Television Net- work (RATNET). There is clear radio reception from Bethel, Nome and Anchorage. The Tundra Drums is available weekly from Bethel. Transportation The location of the two villages on the Kuskokwim River provides water access in the summer and fall. Surface access is available after the river freezes in winter. Air access is available year-round. Air. The Kalskag Airport serves both Upper Kalskag and Lower Kalskag. The 3,200-foot gravel airstrip is served daily by Mark Air and Ryan Air Service. Round trip air fares as of June, 1991 are: $86 to Aniak, $220 to Bethel, and $540 to Anchorage. Water. During the summer months, commercial barge lines deliver fuel and other bulk supplies. Private boats, including commercial fishing ves- sels, are used for inter-village transportation. Surface. A road connects Upper Kalskag and Lower Kalskag. Each community has some unpaved roads. Snowmachines are used during the winter. No road connects The Kalskags to other communities. Education Forty-eight students from both Upper and Lower Kalskag attend the George Morgan Sr. High School. The high school has six teachers. The Jo- seph S. and Olinga Gregory Elementary School in Upper Kalskag has 26 students and two teach- ers. The Zackar Levi Elementary School in Lower Kalskag has 62 students and five teachers. One principal serves the three schools, as do an itiner- ant music teacher and counselor. In 1992, plans call for the elementary schools to serve students from both communities. The school at Lower Kalskag will provide grades kin- dergarten through fourth; grades five through six will be provided at Upper Kalskag. Health and Social Services The Kalskags each have a health clinic, operated by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. Two health aides staff the clinic at Lower Kalskag. There is one health aide at Upper Kalskag. In ad- dition, the communities are visited regularly by a state public health nurse and a public health doctor. Hospital services are provided at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel or at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. Traveller Accommodations There are currently no overnight transient facili- ties at The Kalsags. Climate Climate in The Kalskags is semi-arctic with mari- time influences from the Bering Sea. Structures should be designed to withstand wind speeds of at least 85 mph and a snow load of approxi- mately 63 psf. To avoid permafrost damage, structures are commonly built on pilings or ground pads; sewer and water pipes should be well insulated. Most of Upper Kalskag is on high ground; flood hazard is rated average. Flooding is a greater problem in Lower Kalskag. Stream overflow and ice jams are the major causes of flooding in the lower village. Temperature Range. . . -55° F to 87° F 19 inches 60 inches Annual Precipitation Annual Snowfall Community Development Goals and Potential A gravel extraction enterprise is under develop- ment at a site near the two villages. Rock from the quarry will be sold to The Kalskags as well as other communities downriver. The quarry will provide some direct job opportunities for local residents; there is also potential for other support businesses such as engine repair and equipment maintenance. 37 For Additional Information Alaska Village Electric Cooperative 4831 Eagle Street Anchorage, Alaska 907-561-1818 Bush-Tell, Inc. P.O. Box 105 Aniak, Alaska 99577 907-675-4311 City of Lower Kalskag Box 81 Lower Kalskag, Alaska 99626 907-471-2228 Mayor: Wasslie Kameroff Kuspuk School District P.O. Box 108 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4250 City of Upper Kalskag P.O. Box 80 Upper Kalskag, Alaska 99607 907-471-2220 Mayor: Kenneth A. Morgan, Sr. 38 Kuskokwim Native Association P.O. Box 127 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4384 Executive Director: Leo Morgan The Kuskokwim Corporation 409 D Street, Suite 327 Anchorage, Alaska 99501 CEO/President: Michael C. Harper Lower Kalskag Traditional Council P.O. Box 27 Lower Kalskag, Alaska 99626 907-471-2307 President: Polassa Evan Upper Kalskag Traditional Council P.O. Box 50 Upper Kalskag, Alaska 99626 907-471-2248 President: Annie Lou Williams Kuskokwim Economic Development Council Box 207 Aniak, Alaska 99557 907-675-4418 Executive Director: Jeannie Wooderson 162° 160° 158° 156° 154° } ALASKA Crooked Creek ¥ e Riyer an ke 6s f tt River ho ete 162° 160° 158° 156° 154° The Middle Kuskokwim Region