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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity of McGrath Long Range Development Plan, December 1989RECEIVEU DEC 0 ¢ 1989 £3 Randbor? AuG 1 21996 CITY GF MCGRATH LONG RANGE DEVELOPMENT FLAN by Elaine Johnson December 1989 Prepared for the McGrath Flannina Commission McGrath. Alaska MCGRATH CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS Glen Hanway, Mayor Byron (Walt) Walton Bob Maanuson Ab Ross Michael Harrington Frank Hooper (Vacancy) MCGRATH PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS Will Peterson, Chairman Ron Rosander Walt Walton Ken Deardor ff Russell Ivey ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The McGrath Planning Commission members have dedicated numerous hours of assistance (uncompensated) in the preparation of this document and I would like to especially thank them for ail their Girection and patience. It has been my pleasure to work with you. IT would also like to thank Linda Snow, City Administrator, and Kathy Snow, City Clerk, for ali their assistance in locating documents and records and for their patience during my constant interruptions. A special thanks to the following for their assistance and/or verbal information: Sally Jo Collins, Ted Almasey, Margaret Mesphelt, Ron Rosander, Jack Whitman, Bob Magnuson, Brennda Cash, and Glen Hanway. There are a lot of other individuals who have assisted through oral communications in historical background and current information, and I would like to thank everyone who spent their precious time with me on this project. I would also like to thank Jim Jackson, Magistrate, for sharing office space with me and to the McGrath City Office for use of the computer and office supplies, without which it would not have been possible for me to complete this project. The majority of information included in this project was obtained from documents and records on file oat the City of McGrath, McGrath City Offices. LONG RANGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO. I. INTRODUCTION A. PAST PLANNING EFFORTS AND PURPOSE... cece cece eeesevel B. NEEDS ASSESSMENT... weer cnc nen serene c eran ene e eee el C. UPDATING THE PLAN.......-. wee m cre nscuee wen ese ernne ers It. BACKGROUND INFORMATION A. HISTORICAL SETTING. cee enone eee vere n estes eee econ eed B. PLANNING AREA 1. LOCATION, POPULATION, HOUSING.......ceeeeeeeneeedd 2. SURROUNDING VILLAGES... cee ee nena eenens eevee III. ENVIRGNMENTAL CONSIDERATIGNS A. CLIMATE...---cu- eee ee eucerece ee escccerccsesl B. GEOLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY... . cece een e weet ween reer etree eG C. SOILS AND VEGETATION... 2c cnc e nc tot ewcs cae ausssessseeG D. PERMAFROST AND GROUNDWATER... pc scccvccccacucsccs eee le F 9 1 E. RIVER HYDROLOGY, FLOODING, EROSION... 2.2.2. -ce eer nene Fe WILDLIFE. ewe cette ce mle oe cc ese pcerce ecw eww cccneeseweal Iv. MCGRATH ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS &. ECONOMIC BASE 1. ‘ EMPLOYMENT &. PUBLIC AGENCIES. .... cnc en nace canenevrscnaveld b. PRIVATE BUSINESSES... newer e ewes cece n ee eld 2. SUBSISTENCE... ec ccccscccesscccescccccsscescasee th Se GROWTH... cece eres eee neon ene center acer eevescasv ls 4. CIRCULATION OF MONEY... -encccnnsccvenneeseveccede BR. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1. NATURAL RESOURCES A. TIMBER. cece cee nce ener n teense eee e renee vee lO Be. MINING... cee ee ewe cer er terre rece ae esas ee ee eld c. GRAVEL, SAND AND ROCK... cs cccccccceceeccaed7 Ge TRAPPING... cccccccvccccnccccescesvensesseslls @. GUIDING... cece cec cree ance nsrecseresseeneas dds Fe HUNTING. - ccc vccncccccnccencvcceccrevecesnaelG Q- MISCELLANEOUS... cece cece eee nescence se snee ec 2. OTHER RESOURCES a. LOCAL ARTS & CRAFTS... een een eeeenenneneneval b. SMALL SCALE TOURISM... cccccccvncccsccccvcocl Ce. MISCELLANEOUS... cs cere cccesscccsesesececsacal Cc. CONCLUSIONS 1. STRATEGIES FOR ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS...... e222 J.S. STRANDBERG 2 ng Engines . AUG x 21996 RECEIVED LONG RANGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 2. PAGE NO. v. LAND USE ELEMENT &. BACKGROUND AND PRESENT CONDITIGNS......22000202400-26 B. GENERAL LAND USE... ccc cence ec ccc rence ce weceeeneeeneeld C. RESIDENTIAL LAND USE... eee eee ences eee e sence na ad D. COMMERCIAL LAND USE... ccc r er cence erence renee renee ed Ee. INDUSTRIAL LAND USE... cence ence cnc c cence rece er se need F. PUBLIC LAND USE... cece cece nce r cnc csen cece cre rece ad? VI. EDUCATION ELEMENT A. BACKGROUND AND PRESENT CONDITIONS. ....- ee ee nee eee ee OO B. MCGRATH SCHOOL... eee eee reer r ener ne ren nessees ere anal C. ADULT EDUCATION... cnn ccccvcccescscensecensesneeeveal VII. TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT A. BACKGROUND AND PRESENT CONDITIONS. ..-. 2c eee eee ee ee B. ROAD SYSTEM. 2... 2 cance cence rere r carer rem e ness cenwe ee C. PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC. .... cece eee ene ee 2200 D. AIR SERVICE. .c cece csvccsuscces wee eee e cscs cers sere E. BARGE SERVICE... cece ence een sername esssn cess secs sot VIII. PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT A. BACKGROUND AND PRESENT CONDITIONS... .sccene ence ene ad B. PUBLIC SAFETY... cccccccccccccccccesecessesccrescerssad C. EMERGENCY LANDING STRIP... ce cece nsec nec cnce ver eee 2 co D. BULK FUEL STORAGE... -eceen nec c en asae avons eesre ec Ix. PUBLIC HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES ELEMENT &. BACKGROUND AND PRESENT CONDITIONS.......2+04202022+50 B. HEALTH CARE... cn cececceccccncccecccccssensvesee es 40 C. SOCTAL SERVICE... cece cccrceenccrcccccescesccreneedtl xX. UTILITIES ELEMENT A. BACKGROUND AND PRESENT CONDITIONS. .....-.2-0202-2026+42 B. WATER SYSTEM... cc ccccccccesscccccsersccsccvcessces SO C. ELECTRICAL POWER... cece cssccncencvensenen sees eves nes 4h D. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL... ce ccccccccccccsvcesancssveser 4 E. SANITARY DIGPOSAL.. wn cence cccccccvenennccenucanseces hs F. COMMUNICATIONS... -cccccccccrccccescccccncsescsesccce tl XI. PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT &. BACKGROUND AND PRESENT CONDITIONS. .....2222002 2002249 Bo PARKS. ww cece ence cc ewe ene were rece terete eee een esta ee IO C.~. RECREATION. ..-cenccacscvecunscnnesesenaseevcecesesveds N. BOAT DOCKING AND RAMP... ce cccencanaccacs wee etceeeel E. TRAIL SYSTEMS. .-ccscccccrecccescvcccevesvccsscreceadl LONG RANGE DEVELOPMENT PLAN TABLE GF CONTENTS PAGE S. XII. XIII. XIV. XV. PUBLIC WORKS ELEMENT BACKGRGUND AND PRESENT CONDITIONS.. A. B. c. Db. IMPLEMENTATION OF DEVELOPMENT FLAN.... BIBLIOGRAPHY... cccccscacscvccscccsacas CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS...... ROAD IMPROVEMENT... ccccecccacscce MIGCELLANEOUS. .-nccncnnccccvsceccn MAPS AND RECONVEYANCE OFFICIAL CITY MAF A. a. 140 (3) RECONVEYANCE PAGE NO. ereeseceede cower eset ee nec eee IF eeeerereedd eee wee eee dO eae cee e els i. TUNTRODUCTION &. PAST PLANNING EFFORTS AND PURPOSE The City of McGrath was incorporated as a Second Class City in June, 1975. Title 29 of the Alaska Statutes made possible the formation of a planning commission by ordinance. On October 19, 1976, the City Council passed Ordinance 746-6 allowing for the creation of a Planning Commission. According to Title 29 of the Alaska Statutes the Flanning Commission, once created, must prepare and recommend a comprehensive plan to the Council. The Planning Commission must also review the plan at least once every two years and present recommendations based on that review to the Council. A legislative appropriation was granted for a comprehensive plan through the Division of Community Flanning, Department of Community & Regional Affairs of the State of Alaska, along with funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the City of McGrath. Darbyshire & Associates was contracted to complete the plan. In dune of 1981, Darbyshire presented a Comprehensive Development Flan to the City of McGrath. This plan was reviewed By the Planning Commission and was found to be tao extensive, detailed and contained many inaccuracies. After many revisions, deletions and corrections of information, the Fisnning Commission proposed 4 new plan to be prepared by local individuals and limitec to essential information for the City of McGrath in its future planning efforts. &. NEEDS ASSESSMENT The City of McGrath has completed its FY90 Capital Improvement Priority Requests to the Alaska State Legislature as follows: Priority # Emergency Status - Downtown Sewer Construction — original request $2 million - revised request, Phase I $110,000; Priority) # 2 —) Erosion Control) /—|sio7 miition-. Other priority needs for the community include: Health dust control - a local oriority during the spring and summer months due to an increasing mumber of vehicles on the roads; health hazards include lung damage from breathing the dust, increased aliergic reactions, and impaired visibility with a possible increase in traffic accidents continuation of the McGrath Health Center facility without dependency on the State for funding Economic Development development of natural resources to continue growth and economic development within the community more local jobs are needed to ensure continued growth and economic stability Transportation chesper transportation for exporting natural resources to encourage its development safe and reliable transportation to and from Anchorage Parks and Recreation funding for recreational facilities and activity coordinators and/or instructors, i.e. for swimming, baseball, and various seasonal sports not funded through the McGrath School Community Ed. program C. UPDATING TRE PLAN The Comprehensive Plan prepared in 1981 by Darbyshire & Associates has become outdated in that a number oF the priorities, goais and objectives have been met. The major study done by the Darbyshire Plan was the feasibility of moving the entire town from its present location to Cranberry Ridae. The residents of McGrath made no decision to relocate at that time, end still do not feel that such a move is economically feasible. Property on Cranberry Ridge is becoming available through the City of McGrath. MINT, Ltd. is in the process of subdividing their lands within McGrath for shareholder selections and public sales. The City Water System and McGrath Light & Fower have no Blans to provide utilities to any of these lots in the near future, due to the locations being so far away from the existing water system lines and power lines. (I. BACKGROUND INFORMATION &. HISTORICAL SETTING Athapaskan Indians from the upper Kuskokwim and from the upper Takotna and Nixon Rivers and from Vinasale (down the Kuskokwim River from McGrath) met at the current site of McGrath, where they traded, fished and entertained one another. The meeting location was called Tochak, meaning "Takotna mouth" in Upper Kuskokwim Athapaskan (Collins). The original settlement of McGrath was founded as a result of aold being discovered in the Innoko area. The town of McGrath was founded in 1907 (Oswalt). It was named after Peter McGrath, the U.S. Commissioner for the Kuskokwim Precinct, stationed here, who also established a tradina post and recording office (Collins). A Post Office was established in McGrath in 1913 (Oswalt). McGrath is noted in Alaskan aviation history because in 1924 Carl Hen Eielson began making regular mail flights from Fairbanks to McGrath in a DeHaviland TV plane (Oswalt). The Iditarod Trail is of historic significance to the area. The current trail enters the McGrath area on its easternmost boundary, with a checkpoint located in the downtown area, and then leaves town headed north along the Takotna River past Clam Lake. In 1908 the Alaska Road Commission surveyed a new route from Seward to Nome to provide winter transportation on the mail route to Nome and to provide overland access to the Innoko district (Oswalt). Hundreds of people walked and mushed dogteams over the Iditarod Trail on their way to the new goid districts between 1911 and 1920. Following a series of floods at the original townsite (usually referred to as "Gld Town"), some residents decided to move to the south bank of the Kuskokwim (the present location of McGrath). By 1940 a territorial school opened and the new townsite was established (Oswalt). The community was incorporated as a Second Class City in 1975, giving it power to provide streets, health services, public utilities, etc. The boundaries of McGrath include approximately 48 square miles, which are not within the confines of an organized borough. MTNT, Ltd. is the native village corporation and Doyon, Ltd. is the native regional corporation. Both have been conveyed surface and subsurface estates, respectively, from the federal government under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act C(ANCSA) of 197%. MTNT, Ltd. has conveyed 1,280 acres to the City of McGrath for public use within the municipal boundaries. 6. Planning Area 1. Location, Population, Housing LOCATION McGrath is located 190 nautical miles northwest of Anchorage and 230 nautical miles southwest of Fairbanks (according to FAA, Flight Service Station) in interior Alaska, for, 62 degrees 57.2°N., 155 degrees 36.7‘°W.). The townsite is located adjacent to the Kuskokwim River directly across from its confluence with the Takotna River. It ais near the lower end of the drainage basin of the upper Kuskokwim River. The basin is a forested Plain. interspersed with swamps, tundra, thaw lakes, and is criss-—crossed with river channel beds (Darbyshire). McGrath is the upper limit to most river barging on the Kuskokwim (approximately 435 miles upriver from Bethel), with limited barging further upriver to Nikolai. McGrath serves as the service center for the upper Kuskokwim River region. McGrath lies on the floodplain immediately adjacent to the Kuskokwim Mountains, which extend in ai northeast-southwest direction through the McGrath area. The Kuskokwim River elevation near McGrath is approximately 334 feet above sea level. The elevations within the townsite of McGrath range from 334 feet to 340 feet. All landforms within the floodplain on which McGrath is located originated as alluvial deposits laid down by the meandering, silt-laden Kuskokwim River (Darbyshire). McGrath residents are served by Senate District M and House District 24, and are situated within the boundaries of Rural Education Attendance Area (REAA) #11, the Jditarcd Area School District ((ASD), and the 4th Judicial District of the State of Alaska. POPULATION The population of McGrath has increased slowly but consistently, as recorded by the Federal Census of 1939 as 136 residents, and the current population stands at S35, (according to a local census taken by the City of McGrath for State Revenue Sharing and Municipal Assistance programs in October, 1988). McGrath has a fairly even mix of Native and non-Native residents, unlike most rural Alaska communities. HOUSING As of the October 22, 1988, census taken by the City of McGrath, there were 226 housing units in McGrath, 44 of which were vacant. Prior to the city-wide water system installation (which began Operation in the fali of 1985), over half of the housing in McGrath was rated as substandard, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, due to lack of indoor toilets. Since then, on-site sewer systems have been installed in a majority of the residences. 2. SURROUNDING VILLAGES Regional communities served through McGrath include (Pop.=population and mileage is given in nautical miles): Nikolai, pop. 119 (40 miles east), Takotna, pop. 44 (18 miles northwest). Lime Village, pop. SS, as of 6/87 (100 miles south), Telida, pop. 13-15 (80 miles northeast), Flat, pop. 10 (75 miles southwest), Lake Minchumina, pop. 22 (120 miles northeast), Medfra. pop. 1 (25 miles northeast), Farewell, pop. © (75 miles east), Tatalina AFB, pop. 9 (15 miles west), and OGphir, pop. Oo {30 miles northwest). & number of farmer mining towns in the area are now deserted, or occupied only during the summer. There ere also a number of homesteads located throughout the area that are also dependent upon McGrath for mail and/or freight of supplies. Scheduled mail runs are provided from McGrath to the smaller villages in the area through local aircraft carriers. Several charter services also operate out of McGrath serving the smaller communities and mining areas. LIi. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS A. CLIMATE The McGrath area has a cold, continental climate with slight maritime influences during the summer months. McGrath has the somewhat dubious distinction of being one of the half-dozen coldest spots in Alaska during the winter. Prevailing winds come from the north or northwest during winter, becoming southerly in the summer. While killing frosts may occur as early as August 15. the first killing frost in fall normally occurs in mid-September. The average date of the last killing frost in spring is May 18. Breakup of the Kuskokwim River usually occurs in the middle of Mays freeze-up occurs in October. GENERAL WEATHER INFORMATION FOR MCGRATH Mean annual precipitation — 15.30 inches Mean annual snowfall ~— 91.3 inches Average growing season — 120 days Highest temperature ever recorded — +90 degrees F. (June, 1949) Lowest temperature ever recorded — -75 degrees F. (January 27, 1989) Average accumulated snowfall - 91.3 inches During summer months, average daily maximum temperatures - 62.8 degrees (from May ist to September ist) Maximum snowfall recorded for one month was 54.0 inches in December , 1978. The maximum snowfall recorded within a 24 hour period was i5.5 inches, also in December, 1978. Over 40% of the normal precipitation falls during July, August and September. Climatic information has been recorded since 1945, through the Department of Agriculture, U.S. Weather Bureau. B. GEGLOGY AND GEOGRAPHY The geology underlying the immediate -townsite of McGrath is modern and composed of unconsolidated debris, reworked continually by the Kuskokwim River. Small alpine glaciers exist today in the Alaska Range east of McGrath (Darbyshire). Glacial deposits record at tieast three major periods of glaciation. During these periods, gravels, sands, silts and clays were deposited in lowlands. After each retreat of the Qlaciers, winds reformed the finer deposits into sand dunes and other sedimentary formations (Darbyshire). The topography associated with these geological processes is realized as rolling hills with numerous depressions serving as catchment basins containing small lakes and ponds. The deposits occur mainly in the low flat plains immediately surrounding and including the. floodplain of the upper Kuskokwim River (Darbyshire). The bedrock in this region is cut by northeast-trending faults. The relatively inactive Iditarod-Nixon fault is inferred to pass within ten miles of McGrath to the northwest. The more active Farewell segment of the Denali Fault system crosses the sharp transition between the flat lowlands of the upper Kuskokwim drainage basin and the foothills of the Alaska Range (Darbyshire). The most important mineral resources in this area include gold, silver, mercury, sand and gravel. Sand and gravel deposits, sufficient to meet local construction demands, exist along the active channel of the Kuskokwim River. Deposits of peat are located in boagy lowlands across the Kuskokwim River and west of town (Darbyshire). Cc. SOILS AND VEGETATION SOILS A typical soil profile of the townsite consists of organic silt and silt, to 10-foot depths, underlain from 10 to 25 feet by sand and silty sand (Darbyshire). The topsoil in the townsite area is principally an oraganic soil consisting of thick deposits of very acidic moss peat, with layers of fibrous sedge peat (grass-like) in the swampy lower parts (Darbyshire). fhe geological base material is composed primarily of sand and silt, deposited initially as an alluvial plain over bedrock to thicknesses of 260 feet (Darbyshire). VEGETATION The vegetation of the upper drainage basin consists principally of forests and open tundra. Forests consist of sparse white spruce, paper birch, quaking aspen, balsam poplar, and cottonwood, with willow and alder along the banks of the river. In the low, wet areas are mosses, shrubs and black spruce. The undergrowth includes rose hips, Labrador tea, willows and berry bushes with ferns, fireweed, herbs, mosses, grasses and lichens (Darbyshire). Subsistence vegetation includes blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, salmon berries, fireweed, rose hips, wild rhubarb, Labrador tea, lambs quarters and mushrooms. Timber is being used for fuel and local home construction, but is being studied for commercial uses. Feat moss is aiso being studied as a source of heating fuel and as a bedding for septic systems (Darbyshire). D. PERMAFROST AND GROUNDWATER PERMAFROST Permafrost generally occurs at depths of S to 30 inches within the McGrath townsite on north-facing slopes, in poorly drained areas on the floodplains, and in places affected by seepage. It is usually absent on south-facing slopes and is deep or absent in well-drained sediments on the floodplains. The depth of seasonal frost penetration at McGrath was measured over an li-year period €1947-1958) by the U.S. Weather Bureau and was found to reach an average seasonal depth of about 6 feet (Darbyshire). GROUNDWATER Groundwater in the swales (meander scars) lies on permafrost and is usually iron rich thaving a rusty, Grange color and somewhat metallic taste). Due to high water tables and poor surface runoff conditions, the chance of contamination of this water is increased. Also due to the location of the groundwaters in the townsite, freerving occurs at various times of the year. With freezing, possible contamination, and iron content, the groundwater is of limited use for human consumption. —. RIVER HYDROLOGY, FLOODING, EROSION RIVER HYDROLOGY Flowing over 450 miles to the Bering Sea, the Kuskokwim River is the laroest river in Alaska, draining entirely from within the State, and is second only to the Yukon in length. River transportation was the primary consideration for the settlement of both the original and present village sites. The deposition of silts, sands and gravels, flooding, ice jamming and riverbank erosion are part of the process by which the river reshapes the landscape in and around the McGrath area (Darbyshire). RIVER FLOODING Recurring floods and rechanneling of the Takotna River originally caused the move from "Oid Town” to the current townsite of McGrath. The greatest recorded flood occurred on May 18, 1972 and was caused by an ice jam downstream from McGrath at a sharp bend in the river. Historical records show that ice jam floods occurred in the springs of 1920, 1921, 1927, 1933, 1964, 1972, and 1976. Rainfall flooding Gccurred during the falls of 1922 and 1963. Flooding in McGrath is unlike that in the lower 48 because the water rises slowly and steps can be taken to evacuate the area if necessary. Most individuals prepare for high water and remove items that can float away from their property when the waters recede. The major problems occurring during a flood ere: the loss of personal property (i.e. water rising into individual homes and causing damage to rugs, furniture, furnaces, appliances, etc.) non-functional disposal methods for solid waste and liquid refuse (i.e. with the ground being saturated, septic tanks, cesspools and other sewage systems do not function)s loss of electrical power to the community for the duration of the high water (only if the water rises to the height of the switch gears for the generators at McGrath Light & Power (ML&EP) site): and, loss of the use of the water system (if the high water causes the shutdown of the generators at ML&P and at the City’s backup generators). Jt would be highly unlikely that the waters would rise up high enough to cause the shutdown of the generators for the water system, as they are built up to 342'0", which is 2.4'° above the 500 year flood level (see chart below). According to ML&P, some areas of town may be shutdown if the waters rise into the houses, causing the water to be at a level that would enter the electrical outlets inside the homes and becoming a hazard. Flood Elevations Elevations Feet, Mean Sea Level S00-Year 339.6 100-Year Sore? Normal River Elevation 334.6 City H20 generator level 342.9 ML&P generator switches level 338.0 (approx. ) 10 RIVER EROSION McGrath is located on the high flood plain along the left bank of the Kuskokwim River. The specific erosion problem of immediate concern is along the outside of a meander ‘bend forming the north and east boundaries of the townsite (along Takotna Avenue and Tonzona Avenue). Lots 9 - 22, USS 3140A, between Takotna Avenue and the River, have completely eroded away, while only portions of others remain. At one time, Takotna Avenue extended from I Street out along the River to the FAA Non-Directional Beacons ("the Beams") site, but that portion of the road has also eroded away. The roadway of Tonzona between B and C Streets has almost completely eroded away and is no longer used by the public. The average rate of erosion over the past 33 years has been 5 feet per year and appears to be increasing. The maximum rate of erosion reported at any point during any one year was 20 feet. Another concern which may affect the current rate of erosion around McGrath is an impending cutoff of a river meander located south of Anderson Park and west of the HUD subdivision. When it breaches, it will cut off about 3.5 miles of river and the expected rate of erosion could increase dramatically. It has been noted that a4 river will make up any mileage lost by cutting into new areas along its path. {It is not known as to whether the mileage would be made up above the cut off, below the cut off, or both. The City of McGrath has contracted with Lundell & Associates for engineering an erosion control project funded through Capital improvements Projects from the Alaska State Legislature. A local rock quarry site for use in the project has been identified. For further information on the project, technical reports and engineering plans contact the City of McGrath offices, located in the Cap’n Snow Center. F. WILDLIFE The areas around McGrath provide an excellent habitat for a large variety of wildlife, especially migrating waterfowl. Moose are the most abundant game mammal in the upper Kuskokwim drainage basin due to the many sloughs and swamps. Other land mammals within the Upper Kuskokwim region include (but are not limited tod): brown & black bear, Dall sheep, caribou, and bison (near Farewell). The State of Alaska holds a state-wide lottery every year for bison permits in the Farewell area. Furbearing animals found in this area include: wolves, fox, beaver, snowshoe hare, land otter, lynx, marten, mink, muskrat, porcupine, tree squirrel, weasel and wolverine. The local game birds found in this area include: a large variety of ducks and geese, grouse and ptarmigan. Trumpeter swans, and bald & golden eagles are also common in this region. (The golden ll _ Bagless are found in the foothills of the Alaska Range, around Farewell.) Whistler swans (now known as Tundra swans) have somewhat contradictory information available as follows: according to the State of Alaska, Department of Fish & Game, Biologist, they may be seen passing through this area during migration. but are not found to be nesting here: but, according to local lifelong residents, they are not only seen but also known to be nesting in this area. &round the McGrath area is primarily a spawning area for salmon. The oil content in the salmon flesh decreases by the time they reach their spawning areas and they have lost their silver skin color; therefore, the quality of the salmon available is unacceptable in most markets. Pacific salmon are found in the drainage basin of the Upper Kuskokwim, including Chinook (king), sockeye (red) (very few, but some are noticed), Coho (silver), and Chum (dog). Of those, chum and king are the most abundant. Other varieties of fish available are: Northern pike, sheefish, whitefish, Arctic grayling, burbot (lush), skulpins, blackfish and the long nose sucker fish. Pacific lamprey (eels) are also found in this area. IV. MCGRATH ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS A. ECGNOMIC BASE 1. EMPLOYMENT a. PUBLIC AGENCIES There are 13 State and federal agencies located in McGrath, along with S agencies that are partially (in some cases largely) supported with State and/or federal funds. The total average employment by these agencies is as follows: parttime —- 22: fulltime - 48: and, seasonal varies from 74 (average) to 150 (maximum), dependent on the number of Emergency Fire Fighters hired during a fire season by the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry. These figures do not include the Summer Youth Employment Program, in which qualified youth from age 14 to 21 are hired at various agencies for the summer months only. Also not included in these figures are the substitute teachers/aides and the native arts instructors hired at McGrath School throughout the school year; and, one-time construction contracts let cut during the summer months. Some future construction projects planned for the McGrath region, which may increase the local employment, include, (but are not limited tod: the Erosion Control Froject (City of McGrath with State funding); the plans within the McGrath Airport Master Flan for the reconstruction of the runway proposed for 1993 (FAA); the construction of a new terminal apron plan (approximately $3.36 million approved in 1989) (FAA): end, plans for extension of a city-wide sewer system (City of McGrath through State funding). b. PRIVATE BUSINESSES There are approximately 39 locally owned and/or operated businesses, 13 of which are family owned, limited partnerships or owner operated businesses. Of the other 26 businesses, the employment is as follows: parttime —- 21; fulltime - 40; 9 and, seasonal = 26. These figures do mot include the mines surrounding McGrath, who hire a number of individuals from this area, and are also locally owned and/or operated. Also not included are Summer Youth Employee workers hired in the private sector. 13 2. SUBSISTENCE Due to the high cost of groceries in McGrath, most residents participate in harvesting one or more of the natural resources available to supplement their income. © Due to the increesing costs of supplies, groceries and fuel, subsistence lifestyles are deminishing rapidly. Hunting, fishing, trapping, and wood gathering (for heating) are the major subsistence activities engaged in locally. A large number of residents have greenhouses and gardens during the summer months and either freeze or can the surplus for the winter months. (For further information on these and other subsistence activites, see Section IV.B.1 and 2.) As noted under Private Businesses, there are thirteen businesses which do not employ individuals outside their immediate family, but these also do not include individuals who sell cord wood = and local arts and crafts as another source to supplement their income. 3. GROWTH Over @ SO year period, between 1939 (Federal Census, 136) and 1989 (City of McGrath Census, 533), the population has increased 286% (an increase of 395 residents). One of the largest increases took place during the years of the startup of the Iditarod Area School District with the District Gffice located in McGrath, between 1976 and 1979, (an increase of 29%). A number of families have moved into McGrath from outlying areas and villages due to the fact that there are more jobs and the cost of living is somewhat lower. The prices are more competitive in McGrath than can be offered in the other villages. If the City establishes growth as a priority, then exploration and development of natural resources in the area should be encouraged and supported. Some of the advantages to growth would be: to continue the current rate of municipal funding from the Stete: for continued and increased State funding of future construction projects: to increase jobs available through services offered: and, to maintain and expand the current level of services. Some of the disadvantages or major effects of growth that need to be considered are: impact on the community bond felt by most residents and the independent lifestyle: Possible necessity for local taxes of some form, caused by State reductions in municipal funding and increased municipal needs: increased water usage and extensions to the existing system; increased electrical power consumption: housing and land needs: increased fish and game consumption: increased sewage and solid waste disposal needs: impact on current health and social service facilities; and, the impact on the educational system and facilities. 14 4. CIRCULATION OF MONEY Aue to the high cost of living in McGrath, the high overhead of operating a local business causes an additional increase in the cost of groceries and supplies; therefore, a large number of residents order items through Anchorage and Seattle businesses. This makes it difficult for local businesses to compete with the outside prices. Money is therefore flowing outside the community more sa than remaining within McGrath. Another major factor in the circulation of money is the lack of a local banking facility. €& number of residents send their Paychecks into Anchorage banks and use checks for purchases, while others are on a cash only basis (cashing their checks locally and using money orders for payments outside McGrath). It has been noted that a small portion of the cash seems to remain within the community being recirculated from business to business. The local stores bring in cash from Anchorage to be able to cash payroll checks for individuals, but a large amount of that cash leaves the community. Some of this is attributed to individuals who are only in the community for the duration of a job, but actually live outside McGrath or the region, and leave with the cash. 15 R&R. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1. NATURAL RESOURCES a. TIMBER Local timber is used mostiv for fire wood, house logs and construction of small buildings, furniture or recreational and subsistence uses (i.e. Ffishwheels. cribs for septic tanks, dogsleds, etc.). There are two active local sawmills (with one or two others operated on an individual as-needed basis) that Provide lumber for local residents, but the high freight and labor costs tend to make it rather expensive ta ship cutside of McGrath or the region, therefore, harder to compete with Anchorece prices. Some research is being done by one active Sawmill] owner in order to overcome these problems. Doner # a partion of its Vinasale Tim be-;Tne. , —_ eases wa Tents MINT, d. holds the rface rights to the native lands within this region, which inclv¥des the timber rights. It has recentiy sold/ timber rights to’Koncor Forest Products (a business locseted ain Anchorage) for areas along the Kuskokwim (beginning down below McGrath around Birch Creek and extending up to areas around Grayling Creek and Nikolai). This is estimated ta be approximately 1/3 of the timber rights held by the corporation. It is not known at this time as to when any development will take Place from this sale. MTNT, Ltd. has also leased other lands for the purpose of woodcutting. b. MINING There are approximately thirteen active placer mines, six herd rock mining properties (in various stages of exploration and development), and one underground placer mine within the region surrounding McGrath. The employment at these mines is seasonal and is dependent upon the stage of the mine. There ere four stages oF mining as follows: prospecting, exploration, development and production. Of the thirteen placer mines, employment ranges between 40 and 50 seasonal, fulltime jobs. & large portion of these jobs are #illed by residents of McGrath, while others live outside the region for the winter months. At the time of this writing, exploration is underway in the area by companies from outside the McGrath region. Also, MTNT, id - is in the process of neactisting agreements for further exploration and development of mining in this area. If and when these and other mines proceed into the next stages, they will impact McGrath through possible increases ins growth, employment, local purchases, use of local transportation sources as the regional center, and services available. 16 c. GRAVEL, SAND AND ROCK The City holds & permit for sand and gravel removal From the exposed sand bars within the streambeds of the Kuskokwim River through the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Army, Army Engineering District, Alaska. The permit allows for 50,600 cubic yards of material per year with a maximum of 582,000 cubic yards, and was originally issued in 1979 and renewed in 1984 for five years. The expiration date is currently set for December, 1989. Two sites were established for removal as follows: Site #13 —- located on Sand Island, with access by the end of the long runway of the airport: Site #2 - located behind the old Ryan Air building, with access by the old Hub Air building. The purpose of the permit for removal of sand and gravel from these areas is to construct public roads and facilities in McGrath. Private individuals, businesses and other public entities are able to utilize this source of gravel and sand through the City of McGrath. Local sources of rock are being evaluated and considered for development through the City of McGrath for utilization in the eresion control project. These rock quarry sites are being studied now throuoh Lundell & Associates, an enoineerino firm hired by the City specifically for the project, which is funded through the State of Alaska. gd. TRAPPING Meny residents derive a subsistence income from the sale oaf raw pelts oar hand sewn fur items. The most common and consistently abundant furbearer is marten, with the 1989 season price through the Alaska Commercial Company set at around #106. Beaver, also abundant in some areas of the Upper Kuskokwim Region, is not only Valuable for its pelt, but is also used as a source of meat for humans and dogs. Other furbearers trapped in this reqion are: Tynx, Gx, wolverine, mink (fairly rare), otter, muskrat and wolves. Most local trappers utilize snowmachines for checking traplines, but there is some use of aircraft and dooteams. Traplines range from i to 190 miles in length. Trapping is a significant part of the culture in McGrath and largely supplements the local incomes. e. GUIDING There are currently two quiding services based and operating in the McGrath area: at least three based outside McGrath but operating through McGraths and still others from Anchorage who bring hunters inte the Innoko area utilizing McGrath as the regional center. The guiding services are limited to hunting, but cuided fishing trips have been taiked about around the 17 region. It has been estimated that approximately 200 hunters are brought inte the area through the guiding industry yearly. The main areas used by the quides are located in the Alaska Range, the Reaver Mountains and the Upper Innoko River drainage. Most hunts are from 10 to 14 days, but some ere as long as 71 days. Moose, caribou, black bear, grizzly bear and sheep hold the most interest for outside hunters, but some are also interested in wolves and wolverine. ® large number of these hunters use the local game processing business to cut, Package and ship the meat to their homes cutside. Hunters are known to come from 411 over the world to this area for sport nuneeng with the hopes of cetting trophy size game. The guiding business impacts the local economy through locel purchases of supplies and fuel, meals and housing, bringing outside money inte the community. Outside of the income to the Owners of the guiding and processing businesses, there is also some locsel employment included in various ereas of guiding. #. HUNTING Moose hunting McGrath hunters are reguleted by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game under Game Management Unit 19(D). They are regulated oan moose in season tLength, bag limits and sex. In 1978, the bag limit was reduced to only oie bull per hunter per year, which has, and probably will continue to be, the maximum allowed to be taken. In 1980 the hunting season was cut to Gcniy 45 days. The regulations currently allow from September ist through the 30th and December ist throuoh December 15th, each year. The majority of local hunters search along river channels, = and lakes and sloughs found along the rivers for their moose. Moose is the largest source of subsistence game meat in the area, and most hunters consider the expenses incurred are a worthwhile investment for their winter meat source. Due to increases in population, lack of predator control and an increase in outside hunters coming into McGrath, it has become more and more difficult to locate moose close to McGrath, although, the majority of diligent hunters ere successful each and every year in bagging their limit. @A lerge number of McGrath residents take advantage of a local Game cutting business in which the moose thaving been cut in the field into the largest movable sections far hauling home) is brought in for cutting, wrapping and processino. Most hunters hang the meat for drying and aging, dependent upon weather conditions, prior to processing. 18 Waterfowl and Game Birds Ducks and geese are the main waterfowl hunted in the McGrath area. September ist is the first legal open hunting season in this erea and extends through December 1éth. Most waterfowl have already migrated out of this area by that time which limits legal hunting for locéel residents. Grouse and ptearmiagan are the major source of game birds hunted in this area. Spruce orouse {falso known locally as spruce chickens) are the most common of the grouse species and are hunted by men, women and children. The current season for hunting of grouse and ptarmigan is from August 10th through April Soth, althouah most residents hunt from August throuoh early winter. According to Ordinance 89-4, the discharge of firearms is illegal North or West of the Alascom site to the Kuskokwim River, except in defense of life and property. The younger hunters in McGrath are usually limited to hunting along the road system beyond the Alascom site out Cranberry Ridge Road, whenever river travel is not available. A number of these hunters may be seen walking or biking alono this road in pursuit of grouse during August end September. Other Hunting Some residents take advantage of caribou hunting throughout the reoion and consider it a welcome chance from moose meat. Grizzly and black bear huntino is usually Gone during the sprins months. Black bear meat is eaten by some residents and the skin is used for wall hangings and rugs. The grizzly bear seems to be hunted mostly for sport and trophy size skin. Sheep are also hunted by McGrath residents, but are found mostly on the slones of the Alaska Range and require aircraft for access. Bison are available through the State of Alaska Bison Fermits. Applications for the permits are filed each vear from residents of the entire state, and names of some local residents are usually drawn. Access to the bison is also by aircraft as they are only found in the Ferewell area, and are requiated by the State. Forcupine are also hunted during the spring, summer and fall, although most hunters utilize the fall moose hunting season to take advantage of the fact that they are fatter and the porcupine taste less wild. Forcupine quills are used for making local jewelry, i.e. beaded earrings and necklaces using quills between the beads. (Stokes) 19 g. MISCELLANEQUS Berries are usually in abundance and grow wild throughout the area. Berries available locally include: blueberries, raspberries, rosehips, cranberries thigh bush and low bush), salmonberries and dewberries. A large number of recipes are available from the University of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service, which also has information on harvesting, canning or jarring, and freezing. These berries are largely used for jems, jellies, sauces and desserts. Gardening is usually done on a smell scale for private use only, but some individuals harvest enough to have a surplus for their family and either give away the excess or have been known to sell some items in small quantities. The amount of daylight in the summer months allows for excellent produce as follows: potatoes, cabbage, carrots, cnions, strawberries, cauliflower, peas, broccoli, turnips, squash, radishes end leaf lettuce. Some items are started indoors and transplanted outside after the last frost (usually Memorial Day). Greenhouses allow for additional items such as tomatoes and cucumbers. Fishing is another means of subsistence that McGrath residents use. The local ways for getting fish in McGrath are: fish nets, drift nets, fishwheels and rod and reels. (See Section III.F. for the types of fish available.) There is very little waste, if anys, from fish caught, as any parts not used for human consumption are usually fed to dogs. Some individuals fish specifically for doafcod, which in turn supplements their income by saving the cost of commerical dogfocd. Some of the local vegetation supply various types of food and medicinal sources. Wild rhubarb grows in abundance along the river channels. Some of the weeds found in yards or gardens, and out in the woods are also edible, for example: lambs quarters and chamomile (used for tea). Various types of mushrooms are found locally, but only a ‘few are known to be edible and are harvested from spring to fall. The Univerity of Alaska Cooperative Extension Service in McGrath has further information available. 20 =. OTHER RESOURCES &- LGCAL ARTS & CRAFTS Local arts and crafts are available through private individuals and some are on display at the Iditarod Area School District Office and McGrath School. Some of the different types of handmade arts and crafts available locally are: jewelry (including earrinas, necklaces, hair barrettes, anc zipper pulis), moccasins, paintings, mukluks, fur ruffs, leather & fur mitts. birch bark baskets, wood furniture, fur dolls, carvings and etchings from wood, bone or ivory and fur hats. Tanned moose skin is used in most of the leather work and usually has beadwork and/or fur decorations. Some of the jewelry makers use porcupine quills along with beads. Fur and leather mittens, mukluks = and hats are almost necessities for people who spend a lot of time outdoors during the extremely cold winter months. b. SMALL SCALE TOURISM Other than guiding and hunting, there are no other current business activities that are seeking out tourists to bring into McGrath. There are a number of possibilities that have not been developed locally, but are actually being done for families and friends who come to visit. These local attrections that could be developed for tourists include, but are not limited to: riverboat tours, photography and sightseeing tours, flightseeing, winter sleddog trips, guided fishing tours, and local mine tours. The local museum has not been completed at the time of this writing, but will inciude local artifacts and historical information from this region. The museum is. located approximately midway throuoh town on the corners of Chinana and Takotna Avenues. Tt is under the auspices of the Tochak Historical Society. When in operation, it will be open during the summer months only, due to the hich cost of heating and lack of tourists during the cold winter months. c. MISCELLANEOUS McGreth has better trained and educated individuals than most rural communities in Alaska, partially due to the regional offices located here and the various postions maintained within those offices. @ number of local individuals raise sled dogs for running some of the Alaskan dog sled races, and some also sell the more experienced and winning race dogs or breed them and sell their pups. 21. Cc. CONCLUSIONS 1. STRATEGIES FOR ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS EMPLOYMENT PUBLIC AGENCIES Objective - to maintain the current services offered within McGrath. Strategy - to remain in compliance with various fundina agencies in order to continue funding. Strategy - to keep abreast of the current services offered, and, whenever necessary, expand them in order to continue a4 healthy and productive lifestyle for residents in the community. Strategy — to continue to seek additional funding and funding sources. Streteay - to coordinate state, federal and local agencies within McGrath to show community-wide support for requesting funds for public use. PRIVATE AGENCIES Objective — to encourege development in the private sector. Strategy -— to make land available for private businesses; Objective -— to assist private businesses in start up needs. Strategy - to offer advice or letters of support for new businesses. Objective — to avoid conflicting with private enterprises. Strategy - to discourage public entities from offerings services that are available through private businesses. SUBSISTENCE Objective —- to help maintain the subsistence lifestyles. Strategy - to keep informed of changes and activities in State and federal reaulations. Strategy - to offer support in decreases and to oppose increases in regulations set by state and federal agencies. 22 GROWTH Gbjective —- to ensure that Growth occurs at a healthy rate. Strategy - to keep abreast of the impact on the community and services availeble with increases and decreases in the population. Strategy - to ensure that the burden of increased costs for services that comes with orowth is not left with the core residents, if thet growth decreases. CIRCULATIGN GF MONEY Objective —- to keep the cash in McGrath. Strateay - to encourage and support a bank to be located in McGrath. TIMBER Qbjective -— toa develop the timber industry along with its employment and economic benefits. Strategy - to encourage research for a cheaper means of transportation for exporting lumber from local sawmills. Strategy — to offer letters of support from the City. MINING Objective — to promote the mining industry in the area with its attendant employment and economic benefits to the community. Strategy — to offer letters of support from the City. Strategy - to educate the community and state-wide leaders about the beneficial impacts of mining. Strategy -— to work with the various agencies that regulate mining. GRAVEL, SAND AND ROCK Objective - to develop a source of adequate rock and gravel for building and construction needs of the community. Strategy - to research the various sources available to select appropriate sites. Strategy - ta seek the proper means necessary to obtain the use of the sources found, and apply for its use. 23 TRAPPING Objective — to promote trapping in the area. Strategy - to support locel trappers through letters or resolutions from the City. Strateay - to educate the community and state-wide leaders about the beneficial impact ta the community. Strategy -— to work with the various state and federal agencies who establish the regulations on trapping. GUIDING Objective — to support local guiding businesses. Strategy - to offer letters of support to local guiding businesses. Strategy - to cooperate with local guides in dealing with state and federal acencies who set regulations. Gdjective - tG encourage research into a local sport fishina industry. Strategy - to offer letters of support toa individuals interested in developing a sport fishing industry or fish products. HUNTING Objective — to support and encourage hunting as a part of the subsistence lifestyle in McGrath. Strategy - to keep abreast of hunting regulations in this region and to keep communications open with state and federal agencies in order to give input from local residents. MISCELLANEOUS Objective - to encourage research into the development of locel enterprises for vegetables and berry products. Strateay — to offer letters of support to local businesses or individuals interested in developing these products. LOCAL ARTS & CRAFTS Objective - to promote the development and production of local arts and crafts. Strategy — to encourage local artists and craft makers to develop 4 market for their products. 24 SMALL SCALE TOURISM Objective — to promote the development of a tourism market. Strategy —- to develop 4 plan to expose McGrath to the outside world. Strateay -— to offer letters of support to new businesses that will bring in tourists to McGrath. MISCELLANEOUS Qbjective - to identify and promote the skilled and taliented indivicuals within McGrath. Strategy - to encourage State and federal agencies to advertise locally any new positions within the community. Strategy - ta encourage these individuels to work with the City. within their areas of expertise, for future development and planning within the community. 25 Vv. LAND USE ELEMENT A. BACKGROUND AND PRESENT CONDITIONS The City of McGrath was established as a second class city in 1975, and in turn created the Flanning Commission in 1976. Prior to that time, the local miners had formed their own recording office under mining law. The federal government finally sent in a U.S. Commissioner to take over the recording office, which came to be known as the Mt. McKinley District Recording Office, but was later transferred to Fairbanks. In 1931, the U.S. General Land Office (G.L.0.) surveyed the Dan Sprague Homestead, which he later sold to the Northern Commercial Company (N.C.Co. which was also sold later and became the Alaska Commercial Company, A.C.Co.). Prior to the sale to N.C. Co., Dan Sprague donated 160 acres for the school, which is the current location of the school site. In 1944, the G.L.G. surveyed U.S.S. 2646 for the Air Navigation lands. In the early 1950's, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management surveyed U.S.S. 3140 Tracts A & B,° and shortly after, approximately 158 lots were subdivided and sold within McGrath. Of these, 13 lots have been entirely eroded away by the Kuskokwim River, and 9 more lots are in serious jeopardy of the same, with half or more of those lots slready lost to erosion. In 1951, the N.C.Co. Subdivision was surveyed and sold. In 1971, Dickinson and Gswald surveyed the airport lands again (U.5.-5. 2646) in order to relinquish some of the lands to the native corporation, MTNT, Ltd., who then conveyed it to the City of McGrath under the auspices of ANCSA 14C(3). In 1977, lots 1-39 of the McGrath Townsite, First Addition were sold. 26 Ilats were sGld for HUD homes throuoh the Interior Reaicnal Housing Authority (IRHA), and 13 were sold to private individuals. Then in 19780, lots 40-47 of the McGrath Townsite, First Addition were sold and, in 1982, lots 48-65 were sold. 411 of these lots were sold to private individuals. In 1981, Tract A, of ASLS 77-134, was sold, and then in 1983 Tract EK was sold. In: .1988, : the McGrath Townsite, Second Addition was solid through an agreement with IRHA, for HUD houses only. In the summer of 1989, the City of McGrath subdivided and sold 15 lots on Cranberry Ridge. Since 1976, the Planning Commission and City Council have strived to provide a more orderly plan for the town, but have expressed no interest in zoning. In 1985, the Planning Commission furthered this goal by the creation of a platting anc subdivision ordinance (Title xX., Chapter 10.2. Flatting and Subdivision Admin). The regulations included in this ordinance were designed to further the orderly layout end use of land; to secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers; to provide adequate light and air: to prevent the overcrowding of the land: and to facilitate the further subdivision of larger tracts into smalier parcels of land. ~ 26 BR. GENERAL-LAND USE Objective - to encourage setbacks for riverfront property thru the platting process. Strategy -— to encourage individual subdividers to provide for adequate setbacks for riverfront property within the current townsite. Obiective - subdivisions of five lots or more should set aside a section within the subdivision for a park to allow children a safe place to play that is off the main traffic areas and easily accessible. Strategy - to encourace subdividers of five lots or more to allow for a park within the new subdivision. C. RESIDENTIAL LAND USE Objective — To promote a healthy environment for residents of the community. Strategy — to enforce the subdivision ordinance: a) in order to maintain safety for access with emergency vehicies: b) in order to ensure safe on-site sewer and water systems for the new subdivisions on Cranberry Ridge that will not have immediate access to the City water system: e) in order to ensure the roads meet the requirements esteblished by the ordinance for the City to take over their maintenance, except for private subdivisions. Objective - to provide adequate access to ensure a safe entry or exit from private property onto public roads. Strategy - to encourage a building setback from mein thoroughfares for subdivisions along major roads that have a 100 foot right-of-way. Objective — to make more land available for residential expansion within the community. Strateay —- to apply for funds to subdivide and survey more of the City lands. Strategy - to encourage private land owners to subdivide and survey lots. 27 D. COMMERCTAL LAND USE Objective - to encourage commercial development within McGrath. Strategy - to notify interested individuals of municipal lands available for lease through the City for commercial use. Strategy - ta offer letters cof support and encouragement to commerical ventures starting up within McGreth. ‘Objective - to make more land availabie for commercial development within McGrath. : Strateoy - to esllow for commercial development within the covenants and restrictions of future subdivisions on Cranberry Ridge lots. Strategy - to apply for funds to survey and subdivide more of the City lands on Cranberry Ridge. E. INDUSTRIAL LAND USE Objective —- to promote industrial development within McGrath. Strategy - to inform the public of industrial land available within McGrath for development. Strateoy - to allow for industrial lands in future municipal subdivisions on Cranberry Ridge. Objective — to provide safe storage of bulk fuel within the townsite and on Cranberry Ridge. Strategy - to select areas for industrial use that ere a safe distance away from residential areas of the townsite and oan the Ridge for storage of bulk fuel. Strategy - ta encourage an upgrade of the current bulk fuel storage within the townsite, or cooperate with and support a move of the storage tanks to 4@ new and safer site for the residents. Strateay — to allow for access to the river for the barge to Pump fuel into bulk storage tanks on industrial lots on Cranberry Ridge. Strategy — to provide access to bulk fuel storage tanks for @ircraft and vehicles for times when winter fuel supplies must be flown in. 28 Objective — to make more land available for industrial use. F. Strategy - to apply for funds to survey and subdivide more lands. , PUBLIC LAND USE Objective - to promote a healthy and safe environment for residents of the community. Strategy -— to continue to maintain the landfill facility according to State and federal regulations and to provide a safe and healthy means of disposal of scliid waste. Strategy -— to continue to maintain the roads in aA manner in which residents may have safe eccess to residences and businesses throughout the community. Strateay - to continue to maintain the roads according to State and federal regulations in order to continue funding for maintenance and to alleviate liabilities that could be caused by lack of maintenance. Strategy -— to continue to maintain safe and adequate park and recreation areas for residents of the community. 29 Vi. EDUCATION ELEMENT A. BACKGROUND AND PRESENT CONDITIONS In 1940, when the McGrath townsite was moved from "Old Town" to its current site, a territorial school was opened (Oswalt). When Alaska became a state, in 1959, the state established a school system known as the State Operated Schools (SOS). SOS operated the school until 1975, when the schools were operated by the Alaska Unorganized Borough School District. In 1976, Senate Bill 35 dictated the creation of Rural Education Attendance Areas (REAA’S). McGrath became the headquarters for REAA #11, when the Iditarod Area School District (IASD) assumed the authority for this region. The University of Alaska, Fairbanks has three programs for adult education in McGrath through: the College Rural Alaska, Interior Campus-McGrath Center: the Cooperative Extension Service: and, the X-CED Frogram. The College Rural Alaska program offers course work leading to an AA degree, a BA degree (in teaching, special education or rural development), or an MA degree (in secondary education or special education). Vocational education courses are also offered in that program and through the Cooperative Extension Service. The X-CED Program is especially designed to assist rural students in obtaining a teaching certificate through audio-conference courses. McGrath is a second class city and currently has no intentions to change to a first class city, which would require the City to operate the school system. The City supports the University of Alaska, the (ASD and McGrath School in their endeavors, but has no controls in the educational system. R. MCGRATH SCHOOL Objective — to ensure that children can receive quality education within McGrath in order for them to maintain a healthy) and productive lifestyle and to aspire to their fullest potential. Strategy —- to encourage the school to continue to grow as the needs of the community grow and to offer the students an education that will prepare them for a higher education or vocational training. Objective — to ensure that todays youth can be prepared to become active community representatives and leaders in the future. Strategy - to encourage McGrath School to offer civics courses to teach the students their rights of citizenship and their duties as citizens. 30 C. ADULT ENUCATION Objective - ts promote a healthy and productive community through adult education. Strategy -— to continue to encourage and support the University of Alaska in the rural programs and the educational benefits offered to this community and the region. 31 VII. TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT A. BACKGROUND AND FRESENT CONDITIONS McGrath began as a regional center back when the Athapaskan Indians met here to trade and fish. It continued as a4 regional center end grew into a settlement during the Innoko gold rush. In 1924, it made history in Alaska aviation when Carl Ken Eielson becan making regular mail flights from Fairbanks to McGrath. McGrath is also a checkpoint on the Iditarod Trail. It is generally considered the head of navigation on the Kuskokwim River for baroe service from Bethel, but smaller barges may be used for freighting cargo further upriver to Nikolei. There are no passenger barges utilized in this region. There are currently no roads into McGrath, leaving the only means of transportation into or out of McGrath being by air. At the time of this writina, there are five passenger/charter 9 airline services and two cargo airlines located in and serving McGrath, other than charter services from outside the area: and, the cost of a round trip airfare ticket to Anchorage on scheduled flights are aS follows: #130 (weekender), $164 (supersaver), and #2106 (regular coach fare). There are 13.6 miles of road within McGrath traversing through the main townsite and up onto Cranberry Ridge endino at the Emergency Landing Strip. The roads ‘are Gravel and sand, and are maintained by the City through Revenue Sharing and Municipal Assistance fundina. There has been an increase in the numbers of trucks, pickups and cars in the last few years, but ATV three wheelers and four wheelers, snowmachines and motorcycles are also owned and operated by a large number of residents. There have been discussions over the years about having the roads paved, but, since the ATV's cannot be used on paved roads, the discussions usually ended in leaving the roads as they are now. R. RGAD SYSTEM Objective —- to provide safe and sdequate access to private and public property that meets the existing needs of the community and allows for future demands. Strategy - encourage design and construction of streets that meet the requirements established in the Flatting and Subdivision Ordinance. Strategy -— to encourage building setbacks of 20 feet from the right-of-way lines in order to allow a safe entry to or exit from private property. 32 Strategy — to continue to meet the requirements established by the State in order to continue funding for road maintenance. Qbjective - to continue to improve the maintenance of existing local roads. Strategy —- to review staff and equipment needs in order to meet the improvements needed. Strategy - to develop a less expensive plan to resolve the dust control problems that can be continued each year without being dependent upon funding. Strategy - to seek a better gravel source with less sand and silt. C. PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC Objective -— to provide for safe and healthy pedestrian travel throuvohout the community. Strateagy - to Gevelop an adequate system of boardwalks throughout the community for pedestrian traffic. Strategy -— to develop a plan to resolve the dust control problems. D. AIR SERVICE Objective - to ensure that McGrath maintains its status as the regional sir transportation center. Strategy — to encourage continued manned service through the Flight Service Station and Weather Bureau. Strategy —- to encourage the continued upgrade of the runways to meet the demands of the community and reoion. Strategy — to encourage the State and federal agencies to be consistent with local needs in their planning and construction efforts for the airport apron plan. * Objective — to encourage safe air travel in and cut of McGrath. Strategy — to encourage upgraded aircraft with an increased frequency of service. 33) EE. BARGE SERVICE Objective — to continue baraoe service for McGrath. Strategy - to encourage continued service from the baroe companies serving the local area. Strategy - to protect the barge docking area from erosion through the Erosion Control Froject. 34 VITI. PUBLIC SAFETY ELEMENT & BACKGROUND AND PRESENT CONDITIGNS During the davs of the Innoko gold rush. 6 U.S. Commissioner was sent in to handle disputes and to maintain law and order in the community. Later, when the State took over the judicial processes, a maoistrate position was established in McGrat and was usually held by local individuals. McGrath no longer has its own magistrate position, but is covered by the Galena magistrate. McGrath had its own Alaska State Trooper for a number of years, but the position was eliminated, until the State reorganized and trained the Alaska Fish and Wildlife Protection officers to also work as troopers, giving McGrath trooper coverage again (as there is currently a Fish and Wildlife officer stationed in McGrath). When McGrath became a Second Class City, in 1975, the City Council began establishing laws (by way of ordinances) regarding vehicle inspections and licensing, dog control, curfews, etc. Retween 1975 and 1977, there was a City Dog Catcher, and vehicle inspections and licensing were handled by the dealers of new machines, and old machines were handied by designated residents. By 1977, «& City Policeman/Fire Chief was hired, who took over enforcement of City ordinances. By 1981, the City Council authorized a joint effort through the Village Public Safety Officer <(VPSO) program for the City Foliceman to receive training, salary and benefits from that program. The City now subsidises the VFPSO'’s salary and covers some of the expenses incurred on the job. The City maintains and houses a4 fire truck and ambulance in the Cap‘n Snow Center garages. It has offered training for volunteer firepersons and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) through programs currently provided by the University of Alaska, but funded by the City and the volunteers. Through these: programs, McGrath offers a well trained and qualified volunteer fire department and EMT squad. BR. FUBLIC SAFETY Objective - to continue to provide public safety and emergency services in an efficient and cost effective manner. Strategy -— to continue to support the training programs for EMT‘’s, firepersons and the VFSO. Strategy - to continue to provide public safety functions in an organized manner. Strategy — to review staff, volunteers and equipment needs as the demands increase. 35 Strateay - to prepare so plan for expansion of services when residents begin to move up to the Ridge. Objective — to encourage the continued placement of a State Fish and Wildlife Officer/Trooper position within McGrath. Strategy — to continue to offer support for the State Fish and Wildlife Gfficer in McGrath. Objective - to promote public safety through a dust control prooram. Strategy -— to continue to provide a dust control program in an effective manner. Strateay - to continue to keep abreast of the products available for dust control. C. EMERGENCY LANDING STRIP Objective -— to complete the Emergency Landing Strip. Strategy - to come to a decision on the long range use plans for the Strip and uporade according to those plans. Strategy — to seek funding for completion and upgrade of the Strip. Strategy —- to continue to notify the public that the Strip is closed except in the case of emeroencies. Strategy -— to properly identify the runway as closed with white X‘’s on both ends of the Strip. Objective - to ensure a safe place to evacuate members of the community in case of flooding in the townsite and road erasiar between the townsite and Cranberry Ridge. Strategy — to maintain the emergency landing strip in s manner that will provide airplane access in cases of eEmeraency. D. BULK FUEL STORAGE Gbjective — to promote public health and safety from hazardous materials. Strateoy - to identify industrial land for the safe storage of buik fuel storage. Strategy — to offer support in removal of the downtown bulk fuel storage to 4» safer location as identified by the Commission. 36 Strateay -— to encourage State and federal agencies and private enterprises to locate new bulk fuel storage tanks a safe distance from residential areas. Strategy - to encourage businesses and agencies to maintain their storage tanks on a regular basis. 37 IX. PUBLIC HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES ELEMENT A. BACKGROUND AND PRESENT CONDITIONS McGrath Health Center In 1957, the State of Alaska constructed a building located adjacent to the school site for a Health Clinic and living gGuarters for a Public Health Nurse (FHN) stationed here. Tanana Chiefs Conference hired and trained a local health aide in 1969, who shared space with the FHN in the Clinic. The City of McGrath began construction of a municipal building (now known as the Cap’n Snow Center) and a water pumping system (to offer clean water to residents) through orants from the Public Health Service and Village Safe Water. Additional funds were later requested from the State of Alaska tor construction of an addition to the building to include City Office space, the Health Center, and Qaraces to house the firetruck and ambulance. Construction was completed and the Health Center and staff were moved into the buildino in 1981. Since that time, the old Health Center lot and building have been deeded over to the City of McGrath and is currently being leased out as a Teen Center. The current staff at the McGrath Health Center include City employees (a Fhysician‘’s Assistant (PA) or a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and a Frogram Director): and, TCC employees ‘two Frimary Health Aides). The City employees are funded in part by a orant from the State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services, and in part by Clinic revenues. The Clinic started charging fees for services in October, 1982. In FY83, the Clinic received £80,555 from the State, and this years orant (FY9O) has been reduced to $47,500; this is a 42% decrease in funding over an eight year period. The Clinic revenues have increased 64%, from £14,084 in FY8S to $42,748 in FY89, which does not include the State Grant. revenue sharing, or the FHS lease. The increased revenues have alleviated the Clinic from having to reduce the level of services offered. The clinic offers specialty clinics with private doctors 4s follows: general medical and surgical; dental; chiropractic: optometry: and, veterinary. The Public Health Service and Alaska Native Medical Center also ofter free clinics +tor natives with optometrists, dentists and general medicine and surgery. Other services offered directly by the clinic include, but are not limited to: Preventive care: referral services: acute and chronic disease care; immunizations; family planning: school health screening: school fluoride program: vision and hearing screening: emergency care; health educations prenatal care; gynecological services; pediatrics; lab; pharmaceutical: after hours emergency calis; and, a rabies/distemper and parvo program for dogs. The clinic also offers third party billings (Medicaid, Medicare and V.A. coverage) and a sliding scale fee for services. 38 After hours emeraency calis are taken by either the’Health Aides or the FA, and/or the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT‘s) by calling the emergency number, 911. The EMT’s are volunteers who have been trained through programs offered by the University of Alasks, but funded by the City and the volunteers themselves. McGrath has a trained, experienced and highly qualified ENT squad that has proven to meet the needs of our community, and the community greatly appreciates their presence and abilities. Four Rivers Counseling Services The Four Rivers Counseling Services office becan in 1977 as McGrath-Anvik Community and Family Services. It is a regional social services program based in McGrath, and serves McGrath, Nikolai, Takotna, Telida, Grayling, Anvik, Holy Cross, and Shageluk. The name was changed in 1988 to better reflect the area covered by the program. The current staff includes an executive director, a mental health clinician, an alcohol counselor, an infant learning coordinator, an administrative assistant, & orants administrator and Chronically Mentally 111 (CMI) aides (located in the villages of the clients). The prooram offers the following services: outpatient mental health services: an alcoholism program: educational, consultation and referral services: a children in crisis program: an infant learning program for children ages O-3 years oid: and, chronically mentaliyv ill services. Division of Family and Youth Services The State of Alaska, Division of Family and Youth Services office is located in the Chamai Center building with one parttime social service associate. It provides services to McGrath, Takotna, Nikolai and Telida residents. This office offers the following proorams and services: social service information: referral services: adult and child protection services: foster care prooram: adoptions: home-study licensing; and, individual and family counseling. Public Health Nurse Gffice The State of Alaska has maintained a Public Health Nurse (FHN) position in McGrath for over 30 years. The office is now located in the Cap’n Snow Center and the staff includes the FHN and a clerk/typist. The services offered by the FHN include: prenatal care, well-baby clinics: immunizations: referral services: school screening: hearing screening: communicable disease detection and treatment: health promotion and education: and, elderly and chronically ill services. 39 Tanana Chiefs Conference The Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) office is located in the Chamai Center and offers a laroe variety of social services to the native residents of the community: although, a number of the programs allow for participation of all residents within the community. The staff at the TCC office include: a family service technician: a yvouth coordinator: a health educator: an employment education technician: and the regional office director. TCC also employs: the Village Fublic Safety Officer (VPSO) which is @ joint position through the [CC Fairbanks office and the City of McGrath (officed in the Cap’n Snow Center): the Health Aide Coordinator/Instructor (CI, officed in the Cap’n Snow Center): a community outreach worker (shares office space with the CI): and, two Community Health Aide Practitioners (CHAP ’s, whose office is in the clinic in the Cap‘n Snow Center). The services provided by the CHAP’S are included in clinic services. The Ci works with the CHAF’s in McGrath, Takotna and Nikolai, offering training and supervision. The CI also provides mid-level practitioner care to all three communities for the native population and is currently providing care to all McGrath residents throuoah a contract with the clinic in the absence of a PA. The CI also coordinates continuing education and training with the CHAF prooram in the TCC Fairbanks office and the University of Alaska Rursl Ed. Center in McGrath. The CI also assists with on-call, after hours and emergency coverage for the clinic within McGrath. Other services provided by the TCC office include, but are not limited to: domestic violence: sexual abuse; referrals; elderly nutrition: eneray assistance program: youth oriented activities: adult and youth health education: employment and educational assistance: and, job training programs. Various other services and proorams are offered through the TCC Fairbanks office, including Adult Learning ‘Adult Basic Ed. and GED testing) and the weatherization prooram. TCC has received a federal grant in FY90 to research and make recommendations for coordinating State, local and regional health programs for McGrath, Takotna, Telida and Nikolai. BRB. HEALTH CARE Objective - to continue to provide quality health care for McGrath and the surrounding communities. Strategy - to encourage continued cooperative agreements between health care agencies in the area. Strategy — to work with all health care providers to continue to coordinate services in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Strategy - to encoura i Qa regional funding agencie € continued support from the State and Ss. egy — ta continue to encourage and support the trainina rat MT‘s to maintain the current quality of emergency care. a vy faa as m a Objective - to continue to improve the health care services provided. Strategy - tG encourage and support arant requests for improvements and ub-graded equipment. Strategy ~~ to encourage the development of a long range plan for health care oroviders that would coordinate legislative requests. C. SOCIAL SERVICES Objective - to continue to offer social service programs that improve the quality of life for residents of McGrath. Strategy - to encourage the State legislature and its subsidiary agencies to continue funding of social service offices and staff in McGrath. Strategy - to encourage continued cooperative agreements between sccial service agencies and health care providers. Objective - to continue to expand and improve the social service programs offered in McGrath. Strateay — to offer letters of support for Local and regional agencies for funding needed to improve the level of services provided. Strateay - to encourage social service agencies to coordinate activities that would allow for all residents to receive equal services as needed. Strategy - to encourage the social service agencies ta anticipate orowth and associated needs in their long rance planning efforts. 41 x. UTILITIES ELEMENT @. BACKGROUND AND PRESENT CONDITIONS Water Svstem In 1978 the Alaska Village Safe Water and Public Health Service along with the Department of Environmental Conservation (through the Indian Health Service, IHS) awarded a arant to the City of McGrath for construction and installation of a potable water point, shower facilities and laundromat. A porteble water pump was used to pump water from the Kuskokwim River to a water treatment facility housed in the PHS building (later turned over to the City of McGrath and renamed as the Cap’n Snow Center). In 1983 the City of McGrath received a State grant for £1,150,000 for construction of a community-wide water system. Then in 1984, it received another #1.500,000 from the State and £105,006 from a HUD CDBG orant for expansion to the system. foain in 1985 and 1986, the City received #400,000 and #350,000, respectively, for additions and improvements to the system. The water system was turned on and operating in i985 for the majority of the community. The system has provided « safe supply of clean, potable water for the community and has aqreatiy improved our lifestyle in McGrath. Electrical Fower McGrath Light & Power (ML&F), a wholly owned subsidiary of MTNT, Ltd., is the sole provider of electrical power to McGrath residents. The electrical company was purchesed from Northern Commercial Company beck in 1979. There are currently five genersetors supplying power to the community as follows: 2=— 200 KW generators; 1 - 600 KW generator: 1 —- 670 KW generator: and, 1 - 250 KW generator. The FAA complex is supplied with waste—-heat from the ML&F generators which is piped through a utilidor from the power plant to the FAA complex. The Power Cost Equalization (PCE) allows residents to pay a lower cost for electricity through a reduction esteblished by end paid for by the State of Alaska. Solid Waste Disposal Residents of McGrath heve installed on-site loa cribs, leachfields, septic tanks or cesspocis since the start of the community-wide water system in 1985. The downtown residents, having hac cribs and leachfields longer than other residents, are said to have reached the saturation point. Those residents with septic tanks that need to be pumped have had problems with a Place to pump the septage until the City upgraded the solid waste 42 cispGsal site mext to the sanitary landfill. Over the summer months of 1989, the entire site was saturated and hed standing water. The probiem has been resolved at this time, and is being maintained by the City of McGrath. As of this summer (3989), the City and the Iditarod Area School District {TASD) joined together in an effort to resolve the septage problems for the Cap’n Snow Center and the McGrath School through a State grant directly to the IASD. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) authorized usage of their lagoon to the City in return for maintenance and operation by the City, except during the summer months, in which the maintenance will be taken care of by DNR personnel. The long range plan for the City of McGrath is to offer a community-wide sewer system for all residents. The City has applied for State grant funds under an emergency request, with the first priority to hook up the downtown residents to resolve the problems of the businesses and homeowners in that area, then to continue throughout the community when funds are available. Sanitary Disposal The City of McGrath maintains and operates the sanitary landfill site for the community, which is located east of the new HUD subdivision, going out Cranberry Ridge Road. The site uses approximately 10 acres of 53.75 acres available. The site was upgraded in FY89. The City obtains a permit through the State, which expires in October 1991. There is currently one Iocal Privately owned business which offers trash and refuse haulino. Communications Telephone —- McGrath is served by General Telephone Company of Alaska, based in Nome, Alaska, which offers local and long-distance telephone service to the residents. Alascom, Inc. is also available in McGrath, which provides the long-distance service for General Telephone, or also has 2a long-distance Package billing available. Alascom provides the following services to McGrath (for a feeds special private lines for FAA: data links: Alaskanet — computer telephone services: services to Tatalina AFB through McGrath‘s transmitter: the services to send and receive Alaska Voices Live through KSKG; the link to KIYU in Galena to re-broadcast KSKO on the air: the services to re-broadcast RATNET, providing the transmitter and maintenance: and, provides the communications link between General Telephone and the transmitter at Tatalina AFB for the 911 Emergency number in McGrath. 43 Newspaper — The Kusko Times was the first newspaper available in McGrath from 1921-1923. There was a wireless telegraph available in McGrath prior to that time, which was used to receive information from outside McGrath. The information was passed on to the residents through the Kusko Times. The wireless wes transferred to Takotna in 1923, and the Kusko Times transferred to Takotna at that time and remained there until 1937, when it closed. Then in 1943 and 1944, a school teacher started up and ran the McGrath Weekly. Another paper started up and ended in Tess than one year (1948), called the Kuskokwim Dispatch, which was a memecoraphed newspaper. It wasn’t until January of 19735 before another paper was published, which was the Kusko Courier. It operated until January of 1989, and was a non-profit newspaper, which grew too big for a volunteer staff to operate in their free time. Tt a5 not known as to whether there will be another newspaper in the near future, but it is known that the community has a definite need for es means of getting the information out to the public, which includes State and Federal requirements to publish notices in a,local newspaper. The only newspapers currentiy available in McGrath are the Anchorage Daily News, Tundra Drums and Tundra Times. The Anchorage Daily News is available six days 46 week in the newspaper boxes downtown, as it depends upon the Mark Air flights for arrival in McGrath. S31 Emergency - is the local phone number for fire, police or medical emergencies in McGrath. The City of McGrath owns and maintains a Motorola transmitter which is located up at Tatalina Air Force Base (15 miles west of McGrath across the Kuskcokwim River and on top of Tatalina Mountain). Alascom provides the link between General Telephone in McGrath and the transmitter. It ais currently out of order, and has had a history of problems, which has continuscusly cost the City and the Kuskokwim Volunteer Rescue Squad (KVRS) for its maintenance. The City is in the process of negotiating an agreement with Alascom for its maintenance, but if an agreement cannot be made, it is being considered to have the transmitter moved to McGrath to -alleviate some of the cost incurred in transporting 4 maintenance person to the site to make repairs. Radio — KSKO AM Redio began its local broadcast on July 1, 1981. It incorporated as the Kuskokwim Public Broadcasting Corporation in 1979, which holds the Community License for operation, with a Seven member volunteer board. It is located in downtown McGrath, and is a non-profit corporation funded through the Alaska Public Broadcasting Commission, the Corporation for Fublic Broadcasting and locally raised funds (i.e. memberships, underwriting for programs, gaming revenues interest revenues and donations). b Ss 4 is reguleted by the Federal Communications Commission. It has recently upgraded from 5,000 watts to 10,000 watts, and operates from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (18 hours), seven days a week. rt is the primary station for the Emergency Broadcast System in this region. They also provide the community with a fire call-out message to the Volunteer Fire Department members. KSKO has recently added a re-broadcast service to KIYU in Galena through a 44 link provided by Alascom. KSEO’s Mission Statement best reflects the service provided to our community and the region as follows: "To meet diverse, specialized. informational, educational and cultural needs of the listening area” (the area includes the western interior). There are 207 individual members of the corporation, with 27 business members, and a possible listening audience of 6,000. The station hopes to construct a new studis building within the next few years. The radio station has continuously provided news, public announcements and messages to McGrath and the region. Television —- The Rural Alaska Television Network (RATNET) is available in McGrath through a transmitter provided by Alascom. The station offers news, general television programs, sports events and state-wide events (including the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, AFN Convention, the Grest Alaska Shootout, etc.?). The McGrath Broadcasting Company (MBC) ais a locally and privately Owned business which offers cable television to residents of McGrath. They began in 1983 with four channels, and have since expanded to eleven, plus RATNET. They hope to offer sixteen channels by 1991. They have their own earth station, and have 3 1/2 miles of trunk line, along with 20,000 feet of drop line to Private residences throughout the community. 45 8. WATER SYSTEM Objective - to continue to offer safe, clean water to the residents of McGrath. Strategy - to continue to retain carryover funds for replacement needs of the water system when parts begin to wear out. Strategy — to continue to maintain and uparade the water system to meet the communities needs. Strategy - to prepare for expansion of the community and to Plan for water system extensions to meet the growth. Objective - to continue to review the water system rates to ensure the costs of operations and an allowance for retainage are covered. Strategy — to continue to audit the water system income and expenditures. Strategy —- to continue to allow for depreciation of the system in order to have an overall picture of the needs of the system. C. ELECTRICAL POWER Objective - to continue to offer electrical power to the residents of the community and to keep the rates as low as feasibly possible. Strateoy —- to continue to support the Power Cost Equalization (PCE) rate reductions for the interior of Alaska. Strategy —- to encourage the #laska legislators to continue PCE for the interior of Alaska in order to offer equal rates throughout the State. Strategy — to support ML&F in its endeavors to upgrade the Power equipment for cur community. D. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL Objective — to continue to upgrade the solid waste disposal site to meet the growing needs of the community. Strategy — to continue to seek funding for upgrading the disposal site. 46 Strateqgy - to continue to maintain the site in order to meet the State requirements and keep the permit for use. Strategy - to plan for growth of the community in order = for the site to be upgraded accordingly. —. SANITARY DISPOSAL Objective —- to continue to upgrade the sanitary landfill site. Strategy - to continue to seek funds to uporade the site to meet the growing needs of the community. Strategy -— to continue to maintain and uporade the site in order to alleviate the problems of trash blowing around the site. F. COMMUNICATIONS Objective —- to seek out a source to offer a local newspaper for McGrath in order to meet publication requirements for the City of McGrath and the community. Strategy —- to encourage and support development of a local newspaper. Strategy - to inform the public of the need for a local newspaper. Objective - to continue to offer 911 for emergency calls. Strategy - to continue to negotiate with Alascom for maintenance of the transmitter for 911. Strategy - to seek funding to upgrade the equipment to reduce maintenance costs. [ Objective — to support the radio station in. their plans to construct a new studio building. Strategy - to write letters of support to the Alaska State Legislators when the radio station makes its request. Objective —- to support continued operational funding of the radia station. Strategy - to write letters of support to the Alaska Public Broadcasting Commission in favor of KSKG and its benefits offered to the community and region. 47 Strategy - to keep abreast of legislation affecting public radio stations in Alaska that would affect KSKOQ and the region. Strategy - to encourage individuals: to support the radio station through memberships, which makes a statement to the legislators of potential voters support. Objective - to continue operation of KSKO in McGrath. Strateqy —- to continue to support and encourage the Board and staff at KSEO in providing the public services they offer. Strategy — to continue to support KSKO through legislative communications. 48 XI. PARKS AND RECREATION ELEMENT &. BACKGROUND AND PRESENT CONDITIGNS In 1981. the City of McGrath received 46 grant from the U.S. Department of Interior, Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to develop McGrath Fark, which was later renamed Anderson Fark. The grant was for the development of a picnic area, a playground, a softball field and support facilities {including site improvements, latrines and a sign). It was a federal matching funds grant for $28,500, in which the City would come up with 25% in cash plus 25% in local donations or cash, and SO% from the grant itself. All of the grant requirements have been met, with the exception of the sign designation that it was funded in part by LWCF. The park was a part of 14C(3) ANCSA reconveyance from MINT, Ltd. to the City of McGrath. Anderson Fark is 14.43 acres. Clam Lake Park, also & part of the 14C(3) ANCSA reconveyance from MTNT, Ltd., is located on the west bank of the Takotna River just a short distance up river from the confluence of the Takotna and the Kuskokwim. The park has picnic tables, a swimming raft, and camp ground. Clam Lake Park is 10 acres. Cranberry Ridge Recreation Area is located at the top of Cranberry Ridge Road as it rises onto the ridge and covers 34.07 acres. It ais also a part of the 14C(3) ANCSA reconveyance from MTNT, Lid. The Rifle Range is located on the north side cf Cranberry Ridge Road a short distance below the rise to the ridge. It is alsoa part of the 14C(3) ANSCA reconveyance from MINT, Ltd. A grant was received in 1980 from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Game, for 10,000 for site preparation end construction of a covered shooting area. The work was campleted in 1986. McGrath School has a playground area which is used throughout the year by resident youths for various activities. Some activities are sponsored by the school, but the playground is mostiy used by the children for just everyday play activities. Boat docking and ramp areas are located at various sites around the riverbank, but the main areas used are at the A. C. slip and the sand bar behind the old Hub Air building. The Erosion Control Froject has proposed one boat docking and ramp area which would be located across from the Cap‘n Snow Center, but will be dependent upon funding for inclusion in the project. At this time in the project, it is recommended that no boats be parked along the area where the riprap will be placed, once in place, as it will cause additional maintenance needs. 49 The ‘Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Youth Services Coordinator in McGrath has proposed to the City Council the construction of a BMX bike trail. The Council has committed two (2) acres in Anderson Fark between the baseball field and the swimming hole, pending appreval of the final plans, -for this purpose. The project will be completed by volunteer workers, and will need to be sanctioned by the American Bicycle Association in order to be eligible for insurance for the racers participsting in any of the racing activities on the trail. The project is scheduled for the spring of 1990. Verious other recreational activities take place throughout the year, including, but not limited to, the following: the Upper Kuskokwim Mushers Association sponsors a number of local doa races during the winter months for adults and youth, plus the Mail Trail 202: McGrath School sponsors the Mini-Iditarod, the Ski-a-thon, the Halloween Carnival and a number of other various school activities for students and community members throughout the school year: chinese auctions to support local mushers entering the Iditerod Sled Dog Race in March;. Fourth of July Celebration, sponsored by community volunteers and businesses: Clean Up Day, sponsored by the City of McGrath; Bingo, sponsored on Monday nights by the McGrath Native Village Council and on Wednesday niahts by KSKG Radio; Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, sponsored through TCCs and, baseball, sponsored by local businesses. Many local individuals enjoy a number of other recreational activities that include boating, fishing, skiing, dog mushing, cross-country skiing, and snowmachining, just to name a few. B. FARES Objective — to ensure that the residents of McGrath continue to have a safe and healthy atmosphere for recreational activities. Strategy —- to continue to maintenance the equipment to ensure that it is safe for use. Strategy - to continue to allow for park areas in new subdivisions in order to assure a safe place for children to play. . * Objective — to complete the requirements of the LWCF park grant. Strategy -— to designate on the Anderson Fark sign that its completion was made possible in part through a grant from LWCF. 50 C. RECREATION Objective - to ensure = healthy environment for residents of McGrath through recreational activities. Strateay - to continue to encourage agencies and volunteers responsible for local recreational activities. Strategy - to continue to support local recreational activities through donations of employee time and City services. Objective — to continue to ensure safety of the residents using the designated recreational areas. Strategy - to continue to maintain the current facilities offered at recreational sites. D. BOAT DOCKING AND RAMP Objective -— to ensure that there sre enough boat docks and ramps available to meet the needs of the community. Strategy - to ensure that the current areas used are maintained for that use. Objective -— to research the erosion control project for boat Parking along the riprap material. Strategy - to seek out ways that would allow boat perking along the riprap, i-e. rafts for tie-ups, stairways, etc. E. TRATL SYSTEMS Objective —- to ensure safety for skiers, dog mushers and other trail users from vehicular traffic. Strategy - to encourage the use of trails off the main road system, whenever possible. Strateay —- to encourage volunteers to continue to maintain the trail systems. Strategy - to encourage local sponsors to keep the public informed of activities taking place within the community. 51 XII. FUBLIC WORKS ELEMENT &. BACKGROUND AND FRESENT CONDITIONS In 1979, the City applied for ai study arant ta plan for a multipurpose buildino to be added on to the existing FHS building housing the laundromat and water point. This building addition was Blanned to house the new clinic, City office space, emergency vehicle garage (to house o fire engine and ambulance), VFSO and Magistrate office space and office space for mental health services. The funding for construction of the building came through the following organizations: U.S. Public Health Service; e HUD CDBG (Housing and Urban Development Community Development Biock Grant); a State bond issue for health facilities (for the Clinic portion of the building): and EDA “(Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce) funded through IHS. The building was completed in the summer of 1981, and was called the PHS building. The City held 4 "Name the Building” contest in December 1981 in order to give it a local name. The winning entry was by Sally Jo Collins for "Cap’n Snow Center”, which was naming the building after Captain Feter Snow, & river boat Captain and local resident, who passed away in 1975. Upon completion of the building, the Council established 4a Fublic Works Department and Director position and hired a director under contract in September of i981. In December of the same vear, the contract was reviewed and the position was changed to a permanent full-time salaried position. In i984 the position title was changed to Fublic Works Foreman. The responsibilities of the Fublic Works Department include the following: be responsible for all matters involving the physical properties of the City: ensure there are no encroachments on public properties: operate and maintain City properties; maintain the sanitary landfill: maintain, grade and improve ail roads, rights-of-way, alleys and other public ways of passage; provide for physical maintenance of all City owned buildings © and vehicles; and, perform other such functions relating to the physical facilities of the City. These facilities and properties include: the Cap’n Snow Building tinciuding the Health Clinic, all offices within the building, the laundromat and shower facilities): the Teen Center: the Rural Ed./Cooperative Extension Service building: City vehicles (which includes the fire truck and ambulance, road maintenance equipment, City trucks, Elderly/Clinic bus, and VPSO vehicle); the water system; roads; street lights: Elderly Housing; parks; the sewer systems for all facilities: and, snow removal. The Public Works Committee is advisory to the City Council and has the general duties to recommend policy and procedures to the Council. The duties of the Public Works Committee is outlined in Ordinance 2.21 of the Code of Ordinances. ey The McGrath City Council submits a Capital Improvement Friority (CIP) list’ to the Alaska State Legislature each year. The Council esteblishes its priorities by the regular monthly meeting heid in September. The largest legislative appropriations received by the City have been for the. community-wide water system and the erosion control project, which is still the number one priority for McGrath. The FY91 CIP list for McGrath sre: 1) the erosion control project: 2) an X-ray machine: and, 3) sanitary landfill improvements. The Flanning Commission has meade & long range plan list for CIF as follows (not in order of priority): bulk fuel storaqde; runway completion and certification (for the emeroency landing strip): sanitary landfill improvements: Cranberry Ridge facilities: sewer facilities: boardwalks: a trail system: erosion control project completion: 8 quarry site: road improvements: and, subdividing more municipal land. 53 BB. CAFITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS Gbjective - to encourage the City Council to prioritize a long range capital improvement project list. Strategy - to encourage all Standing Committees to submit a priority list to the Council in order to ensure ail needs are considered. Strategy — te establish a timeline for submittal of lists from the Standing Committees. Strategy - to establish .-a timeline for the Councii to prioritize the CIF list by year of request. Objective -— to prioritize community requests on an annual basis. Strategy -— to work with other local agencies to establish community priorities for legislative appropriations. Strategy - to encourage local agencies to support these community requests when communicating with legislators. C. RGAD IMPROVEMENT Objective - to establish a list of priorities for road improvements. Strategy —- to encourage the Public Works Committee to come up with a long range road improvement plan for McGrath. Objective —- to continue to improve the road system in McGrath. Strategy - to seek a better gravel source for road improvements. Strategy - to seek a less expensive means of controlling the dust problems caused by the increased traffic on the roads. Objective —- to negotiate for road right-of-ways in the down town area in order to make improvements when necessary. Stretegy — to negotiate with the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities for the road right-of-way on McGuires Drive. Strategy - to negotiate with the land owners adjacent to Beaton Street for the road right-of-way. Strategy - to negotiate with the land owners adjacent to Egrass Lane for the road right-of-way. 54 Strategy - to negotiate with the land owners adjacent to Larson Avenue for the road right-of-way. D. MISCELLANEGUS Objective —- to encourage the establishment of ai maintenance schedule for City facilities and equipment. Strateay — to encourage the Public Works Committee to set up a maintenance schedule for all City facilities and equipment. Strategy — to encourage a flexible maintenance schedule to allow for weather and other unknown factors. 55 XIII. IMPLEMENTATION OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN At the reaular September Planning Commission meeting each year, the Develooment Plan shall be added to the agenda for review of Sections I, II, III and IV. Also at that meetina, the Commission shall prioritize their capital improvement project list for that fiscal vear to be submitted to the City Council at their nent recuiar meetina. At the requiar October Flannino Commission meetina each vear., the Development Plan shall be added to the aoenda for review of Sections V,. VI, VII and VIIT. 6t the reculer November Flannina Commission meetinga each vear. the Development Plan shall be added to the agenda for review of Sections IX. X, XI and XII. Any revisions made to the Development Plen shall be prepared and submitted to the City Council by their reoular December meetings. 56 RIBLIGGRAFHY CGLLINS, Sally Jo. History of McGrath, Alaska From Foundins to World War II. June, 1985. DARBYSHIRE & Associates, City of McGrath Comprehensive Development Flan. March, 1981. OSWALT, Wendell H., Historic Settlements along the Kuskokwim River, Alaska. Alaska State Library Historical Monograph No. 7, 1980. STOKES, Jeff, Natural Resource Utilization of Four Upper Kuskokwim Communities, Technical Paper No. B64, 1985. a)