Butte Alaska

Population: 2931

Location and Climate
Butte is located south of Palmer in the Mat-Su Borough, between mile 9 and mile 16 of the Old Glenn Highway. It lies at the foot of Bodenberg Butte, east of a Matanuska River, 42 miles north of Anchorage. It lies at approximately 61.542220° North Latitude and -149.03333° West Longitude. (Sec. 23, T017N, R002E, Seward Meridian.) Butte is located in the Palmer Recording District. The area encompasses 40.3 sq. miles of land and 0.7 sq. miles of water. Temperatures in January range from -35 to 33; in July, 42 to 85. Annual precipitation is 16.5 inches, including 43 inches of snow.

History, Culture and Demographics
Athabascan Dena'ina Indians traveled through the Butte area on a winter trail from Eklutna up the Knik River to the Copper River. A large Dena'ina village called "Hutnaynut'l," or "burnt over," existed in the Bodenburg area. The first farm was homesteaded in 1917 by John Bodenburg. In 1935, 25 tracts were settled in the Butte area by the Matanuska Colonists, around "Camp 10" along Bodenburg Loop Road. More land was settled after World War II. Several saw mills operated between 1940 and 1970. Low housing costs, the semi-rural lifestyle, and a reasonable commute to Anchorage have supported growth in the Mat-Su Valley. 5.5% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native. "The Butte" is a large suburban settlement of over 960 homes. Students are bused for middle and high school to Palmer. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 964 total housing units, and 80 were vacant. 12 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 1,115 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 8.88%, although 40.02% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $55,573, per capita income was $22,522, and 9.79% of residents were living below the poverty level.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
Most homes in Butte have individual water wells, septic systems and complete plumbing. Butte Elementary School and the local trailer court and cafe also have individual wells. A Borough-operated refuse transfer station is located at Mile 2, Plumley Road. Electricity is provided by Matanuska Electric Association. There is one school located in the community, attended by 298 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Valley Hospital in Palmer (746-8600) or Anchorage hospitals. Butte is classified as a highway village, it is found in EMS Region 2C in the Mat-Su Region. Emergency Services have highway and air access, and are within 30 minutes of a higher-level satellite health care facility. Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service and volunteers. Auxiliary health care is provided by Butte Ambulance Service (373-8800/745-4811); Valley Hospital in Palmer or Anchorage hospitals.

Economy and Transportation
The majority of Butte residents are employed in the Palmer/Wasilla area or Anchorage. Farming and wholesale distribution of farm products are the main industry. A few small businesses serve local needs. Butte lies along the Old Glenn Highway. An 1,800' long by 50' wide public airstrip is available, owned and operated by the Butte Airman's Association. Railroad and other means of transportation are also accessible in Palmer and Anchorage.

Source: State of Alaska, Department of Community and Economic Development.

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[graphic version Butte Alaska]