Douglas

Population: 5483

Location and Climate
Douglas lies within the City & Borough of Juneau, on the northeast coast of Douglas Island. The Gastineau Channel is traversed by the Juneau-Douglas Bridge. Locally, the Douglas area refers to the southern end of the Island (population 2,000), although the entire population of the Island is 5,100. It lies at approximately 58.298947° North Latitude and -134.452699° West Longitude. (Sec. 35, T041S, R067E, Copper River Meridian.) Douglas is located in the Juneau Recording District. Juneau has a mild, maritime climate. Average summer temperatures range from 44 to 65; winter temperatures range from 25 to 35. It is in the mildest climate zone in Alaska. Annual precipitation is 92 inches in downtown Juneau, and 54 inches ten miles north at the airport. Snowfall averages 101 inches.

History, Culture and Demographics
The earliest recorded name was Edwardsville, perhaps for H.H. Edwards, a miner and resident. Douglas originated in 1881 to service mining activities, and became an incorporated city in 1902. Also founded in 1881, nearby Treadwell was established 1.2 miles southeast of Douglas. It was a company town, and incorporated as a city from 1901 through 1912. The Treadwell and Ready Bullion mines on Douglas Island became world-scale mines, operating from 1882 to 1917. In 1917, a cave-in and flood closed the Treadwell mine. It produced $66 million in gold in its 35 years of operation. The City of Douglas was unified with the City of Juneau in 1970. A federally recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Douglas Indian Association. As the state capital, Juneau is supported largely by State and federal employment, and by tourists cruising the Inside Passage. It is the third largest community in Alaska. Douglas Indian Association represents the Tlingits that have historically occupied the area.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
The municipal water supply is obtained from the Last Chance Basin well field on Gold Creek and the Salmon Creek Reservoir, and is treated and piped to over 90% of Juneau households. Juneau's water demand is 5 million gallons per day. The Borough's piped sewage system serves almost 80% of residents, and receives secondary treatment. Sludge is incinerated. North Douglas Island residents use individual septic tanks, and funds have been provided to begin planning a sewer main extension to this area. Refuse collection, the landfill and incinerator are owned by a private firm, Waste Management Co. Juneau has a hazardous waste collection facility, and local organizations also provide recycling programs. Electricity is generated at the Snetisham Hydroelectric Facility. Electricity is provided by Alaska Electric Light & Power Company. There is one school located in the community, attended by 277 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Bartlett Memorial Hospital in Juneau (586-2611). Auxiliary health care is provided by Bartlett Memorial Hospital in Juneau.

Economy and Transportation
The State, City & Borough of Juneau, and federal agencies provide nearly 45% of the employment in Juneau. Tourism is a significant contributor to the private sector economy during the summer months, providing a $130 million income and nearly 2,000 jobs. Over 690,000 visitors arrive by cruise ship, and another 100,000 independent travelers visit Juneau each year. The Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau Icefield air tours, Tracy Arm Fjord Glacier, State Museum, and Mount Roberts Tramway are local attractions. Support services for logging and fish processing contribute to the Juneau economy, and 58 Douglas residents hold a commercial fishing permit. Juneau is accessible only by air and sea. Scheduled jet flights and air taxis are available at the Municipally-owned Juneau International Airport. The Airport includes a paved 8,456' runway, and a seaplane landing area. Marine facilities include a seaplane landing area at Juneau Harbor, two deep draft docks, five small boat harbors, a State ferry terminal. The Alaska Marine Highway System and cargo barges provide year-round services.

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

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[graphic version Douglas Alaska]