Kotzebue Alaska

Population: 3076

Location and Climate
Kotzebue is on the Baldwin Peninsula in Kotzebue Sound, on a 3-mile-long spit, which ranges in width from 1,100 to 3,600 feet. It is located near the discharges of the Kobuk, Noatak and Ssezawick Rivers, 549 air miles northwest of Anchorage and 26 miles above the Arctic Circle. It lies at approximately 66.898280° North Latitude and -162.59585° West Longitude. (Sec. 03, T017N, R018W, Kateel River Meridian.) Kotzebue is located in the Kotzebue Recording District. The area encompasses 27.0 sq. miles of land and 1.7 sq. miles of water. Kotzebue is located in the transitional climate zone, which is characterized by long, cold winters and cool summers. The average low temperature during January is -12; the average high during July is 58. Temperature extremes have been measured from -52 to 85. Snowfall averages 40 inches, with total precipitation of 9 inches per year. Kotzebue Sound is ice-free from early July until early October.

History, Culture and Demographics
This site has been occupied by Inupiat Eskimos for at least 600 years. "Kikiktagruk" was the hub of ancient arctic trading routes long before European contact, due to its coastal location near a number of rivers. The German Lt. Otto Von Kotzebue "discovered" Kotzebue Sound in 1818 for Russia. The community was named after the Kotzebue Sound in 1899 when a post office was established. Since the turn of the century, expansion of economic activities and services in the area have enabled Kotzebue to develop relatively rapidly. The City was formed in 1958. An Air Force Base and White Alice Communications System were later constructed. A federally recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Kotzebue IRA Council. 76.7% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native. The residents of Kotzebue are primarily Inupiat Eskimos, and subsistence activities are an integral part of the lifestyle. Each summer, the North Tent City fish camp is set up to dry and smoke the season's catch. The sale of alcohol is banned, although importation or possession is allowed. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 1,007 total housing units, and 118 were vacant. 47 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 1,255 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 9.8%, although 36.78% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $57,163, per capita income was $18,289, and 13.14% of residents were living below the poverty level.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
Water is supplied by the 150-million-gallon Vortac Reservoir, located one and a half miles from the City. Water is treated and stored in a 1.5-million-gallon tank. Funds have been requested to construct a second 1.5-million-gallon tank. Water is heated with a waste heat recovery system at the electric plant, and distributed in circulating mains. Piped sewage is treated in a 32-acre zero discharge facultative lagoon west of the airport. Significant improvements are needed to this 30-year-old facility. Around 80% of homes are fully plumbed, and 521 homes are served by the City system. The 30-year-old PVC water and sewer mains are currently undergoing replacement. A new transfer station and Class 2 permitted landfill with balefill has recently been completed. Recycling and hazardous waste disposal have been improved. Kotzebue uses ten 50 kilowatt wind turbines to supplement electricity. Electricity is provided by Kotzebue Electric Association. There are 3 schools located in the community, attended by 832 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Maniilaq Medical Health Center (442-3321). The hospital is a qualified Acute Care facility. Long Term Care: Kotzebue Senior Center. Specialized Care: Lake Street House (Maniilaq lodging); Maniilaq Alcohol Program (442-3311 x139); Maniilaq Camp. Kotzebue is classified as a large town/Regional Center, it is found in EMS Region 4A in the Maniilaq Association Region. Emergency Services have limited highway, coastal and airport access. Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service and volunteers. Auxiliary health care is provided by Kotzebue Volunteer Fire Dept. (442-3404/3351); Maniilaq Air Ambulance (442-3321).

Economy and Transportation
Kotzebue is the service and transportation center for all villages in the northwest region. It has a healthy cash economy, a growing private sector, and a stable public sector. Due to its location at the confluence of three river drainages, Kotzebue is the transfer point between ocean and inland shipping. It is also the air transport center for the region. Activities related to oil and minerals exploration and development have contributed to the economy. The majority of income is directly or indirectly related to government employment, such as the School District, Maniilaq Association, the City and Borough. The Cominco Alaska Red Dog Mine is a significant regional employer. Commercial fishing for chum salmon provides some seasonal employment. 128 residents hold commercial fishing permits. Most residents rely on subsistence to supplement income. Air is the primary means of transportation year-round. The State-owned Ralph Wien Memorial Airport supports daily jet service to Anchorage and several air taxis to the region's villages. It has a 5,900' long by 150' wide main paved runway and 3,800' long by 100' wide crosswind gravel runway. A seaplane base is also operated by the State. The shipping season lasts 100 days, from early July to early October, when the Sound is ice-free. Due to river sediments deposited by the Noatak River 4 miles above Kotzebue, the harbor is shallow. Deep draft vessels must anchor 15 miles out, and cargo is lightered to shore and warehoused. Crowley Marine Services operates shallow draft barges to deliver cargo to area communities. The City wants to examine the feasibility of developing a deep water port, since the cost of cargo delivery is high with the existing transportation systems. There are 26 miles of local gravel roads, used by cars, trucks and motorcycles during the summer. Snowmachines are preferred in winter for local transportation.

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

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[graphic version Kotzebue Alaska]