Sitka Alaska

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#6666CC" TEXT="#080000" background="49301573.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>AST2</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="AST2"><B>home</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="alaska_directory.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Alaska Directory"><B><IMG SRC="0010e0e0.png" border=0 width="14" height="14" ALT="up" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></A><B>   </B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="14"><B>     </B><A HREF="seward_alaska.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Seward Alaska"><B><IMG SRC="0020e0e0.png" border=0 width="14" height="14" ALT="previous" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></A><B>  </B><A HREF="soldotna_alaska.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Soldotna Alaska"><B><IMG SRC="0030e0e0.png" border=0 width="14" height="14" ALT="next" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#6666CC" TEXT="#080000" background="005d2013.jpg"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Sitka Alaska</I></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="627" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <B>Current Population:</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="437"><div> 8,833 (2006 DCCED Certified Population)</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <B>Incorporation Type:</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="437"><div> Unified Home Rule Municipality</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> <B>Borough Located In:</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="437"><div> City & Borough of Sitka</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 53 WIDTH="183"><div> <B>Taxes:</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="437"><div> Sales: 5% Oct-March; 6% Apr-Sept, Property: 6.0 mills, Special: 6% Accommodations Tax; 2 cents/gal. Fuel Tax, $10 per box Fish Box Tax </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="09866000.gif" border=0 width="358" height="256" ALT="alaska map of Sitka Alaska" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="6" VSPACE="0"></B><B>Location and Climate</B></div> <div> Sitka is located on the west coast of Baranof Island fronting the Pacific Ocean, on Sitka Sound.</div> <div> An extinct volcano, Mount Edgecumbe, rises 3,200 feet above the community.</div> <bR> <div> It is 95 air miles southwest of Juneau, and 185 miles northwest of Ketchikan.</div> <bR> <div> Seattle, Washington lies 862 air miles to the south.</div> <bR> <div> The community lies at approximately 57.053060° North Latitude and -135.330000° (West) Longitude. (Sec. 36, T055S, R063E, Copper River Meridian.)</div> <bR> <div> Sitka is located in the Sitka Recording District.</div> <bR> <div> The area encompasses 2,874.0 sq. miles of land and 1,937.5 sq. miles of water.</div> <bR> <div> January temperatures range from 23 to 35; summers vary from 48 to 61.</div> <div> Average annual precipitation is 96 inches, including 39 inches of snowfall.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Organizations with Local Offices</B></div> <div> <B>Borough</B> - City & Borough of Sitka</div> <div> 100 Lincoln Street</div> <div> Sitka, AK 99835</div> <div> Phone 907-747-3294</div> <div> Fax 907-747-7403</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >colleen@cityofsitka.com</FONT></div> <div> Web <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >http://www.cityofsitka.com</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Chamber of Commerce</B> - Greater Sitka Chamber of Commerce</div> <div> P.O. Box 638</div> <div> Sitka, AK 99835</div> <div> Phone 907-747-8604</div> <div> Fax 907-747-7688</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >sitkacoc@ptialaska.net</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Economic Development</B> - Sitka Convention & Visitors Bureau</div> <div> P.O. Box 1226</div> <div> Sitka, AK 99835</div> <div> Phone 907-747-5940</div> <div> Fax 907-747-3739</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >scvb@ptialaska.net</FONT></div> <div> Web <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >http://www.sitka.org</FONT> </div> <bR> <div> <B>Economic Development</B> - Sitka Economic Development Assoc.</div> <div> 329 Harbor Drive #212</div> <div> Sitka, AK 99835</div> <div> Phone 907-747-2660</div> <div> Fax 907-747-7688</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >info@sitka.net</FONT></div> <div> Web <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >http://www.sitka.net</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Electric Utility</B> - Sitka Electric Department</div> <div> 105 Jarvis Street</div> <div> Sitka, AK 99835</div> <div> Phone 907-747-6633</div> <div> Fax 907-747-3208</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >charlie@cityofsitka.com</FONT></div> <div> Web <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >http://www.cityofsitka.com/index.html</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Housing Authority</B> - Baranof Island Housing Auth.</div> <div> P.O. Box 517</div> <div> Sitka, AK 99835</div> <div> Phone 907-747-5088</div> <div> Fax 907-747-5701</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >sitkabiha@yahoo.com</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Media</B> - Daily Sitka Sentinel</div> <div> 112 Barracks Street</div> <div> Sitka, AK 99835</div> <div> Phone 907-747-3219</div> <div> Fax 907-747-8898</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >sitkanews@hotmail.com</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>School District</B> - Mt. Edgecumbe High School</div> <div> 1330 Seward Ave.</div> <div> Sitka, AK 99835-9348</div> <div> Phone 907-966-3200</div> <div> Fax 907-966-2442</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >billd@mehs.us</FONT></div> <div> Web <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >http://www.mehs.educ.state.ak.us</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>School District</B> - Sitka School District</div> <div> 300 Kostrometinoff Street</div> <div> Sitka, AK 99835-0179</div> <div> Phone 907-747-8622</div> <div> Fax 907-966-1260</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >bradshaws@mail.ssd.k12.ak.us</FONT></div> <div> Web <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >http://www.ssd.k12.ak.us</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Urban Corporation</B> - Shee Atika, Incorporated</div> <div> 315 Lincoln St. #300</div> <div> Sitka, AK 99835</div> <div> Phone 907-747-3534</div> <div> Fax 907-747-5727</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >faleene@sheeatika.com</FONT></div> <div> Web <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >http://www.sheeatika.com/index.shtml</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Village Council</B> - Sitka Tribe of Alaska (IRA)</div> <div> 456 Katlain Street</div> <div> Sitka, AK 99835-7505</div> <div> Phone 907-747-3207</div> <div> Fax 907-747-4915</div> <div> Web <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >http://www.sitkatribe.org</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Regional Organizations</B></div> <div> <B>Borough</B> - City & Borough of Sitka</div> <div> 100 Lincoln Street</div> <div> Sitka, AK 99835</div> <div> Phone 907-747-3294</div> <div> Fax 907-747-7403</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >colleen@cityofsitka.com</FONT></div> <div> Web <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >http://www.cityofsitka.com</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Regional Native Corporation</B> - Sealaska Corporation</div> <div> One Sealaska Plaza #400</div> <div> Juneau, AK 99801</div> <div> Phone 907-586-1512</div> <div> Fax 907-586-2304</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >chris.mcneil@sealaska.com</FONT></div> <div> Web <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >http://www.sealaska.com</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Regional Native Health Corporation</B> - Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium</div> <div> 3245 Hospital Dr.</div> <div> Juneau, AK 99801</div> <div> Phone 907-463-4000</div> <div> Fax 907-463-4075</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >ken.brewer@searhc.org</FONT></div> <div> Web <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >http://www.searhc.org</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Regional Native Non-Profit</B> - Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska</div> <div> 320 W. Willoughby Ave., Suite 300</div> <div> Juneau, AK 99801</div> <div> Phone 907-586-1432</div> <div> Fax 907-586-8970</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >econdev@ccthita.org</FONT></div> <div> Web <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >http://www.ccthita.org</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Native Housing Authority</B> - Baranof Island Housing Auth.</div> <div> P.O. Box 517</div> <div> Sitka, AK 99835</div> <div> Phone 907-747-5088</div> <div> Fax 907-747-5701</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >sitkabiha@yahoo.com</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Regional Development</B> - Southeast Conference</div> <div> P.O. Box 21989</div> <div> Juneau, AK 99802</div> <div> Phone 907-463-3445 x23</div> <div> Fax 907-463-4425</div> <div> E-mail <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >rollo@seconference.org</FONT></div> <div> Web <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" >http://www.seconference.org</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care</B></div> <div> Water is drawn from a reservoir on Blue Lake and Indian River, is treated, stored, and piped to nearly all homes in Sitka.</div> <div> The maximum capacity is 8.6 million gallons per day, with 197 million gallons of storage capacity.</div> <div> 95% of homes are connected to the piped sewage system, which receives primary treatment.</div> <div> Funds have been requested to expand the piped system to Cedar Beach, Shotgun Alley, and along Sawmill Creek Road.</div> <div> Refuse is collected by a private firm under contract to the City and is incinerated.</div> <div> The ash is then disposed of at the permitted, lined landfill.</div> <div> The community participates in annual hazardous waste disposal events.</div> <div> The Borough has begun planning for a new landfill site.</div> <div> The Borough owns hydroelectric facilities at Blue Lake and Green Lake, and a diesel-fueled generator at Indian River.</div> <div> Electricity is provided by Sitka Electric Department.</div> <div> There are 6 schools located in the community, attended by 1,545 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Mt. Edgecumbe/SEARHC Hospital (907-966-2411); Sitka Community Hospital (907-747-3241); U.S.</div> <div> Coast Guard Air Station (907-966-5430). The hospitals are qualified Acute Care facilities.</div> <div> The USCG Air Station provides emergency support only and Medevac Services, and is a qualified Emergency Care Center.</div> <div> Long Term Care: Sitka Pioneers' Home.</div> <div> Specialized Care: Aurora's Watch (operated by Shee Atika Corp.); Sitka Council on Alcoholism & Other. Sitka is classified as a large town/Regional Center, it is found in EMS Region 3A in the Southeast Region.</div> <div> <B>Emergency Services</B></div> <div> Emergency Services have limited highway, marine, floatplane and airport access.</div> <div> Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service, volunteers and the military Auxiliary health care is provided by Sitka Fire Dept./Ambulance/Rescue (907-747-3233/3245); SEARHC Air Medical (907-966-2411); U.S. Coast Guard Air Station/Medevac (907-966-5430).</div> <bR> <div> <B>Economy and Transportation</B></div> <div> The economy is diversified with fishing, fish processing, tourism, government, transportation, retail, and health care services.</div> <div> Cruise ships bring over 200,000 visitors annually.</div> <div> 586 residents hold commercial fishing permits and fish processing provides seasonal employment.</div> <div> Sitka Sound Seafood and the Seafood Producers Co-op are major employers.</div> <div> Regional health care services, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Coast Guard also employ a number of residents.</div> <bR> <div> The State-owned Rocky Gutierrez Airport on Japonski Island has a 6,500' long by 150' wide paved and lighted runway, an instrument landing system, and a 24-hour FAA Flight Service Station.</div> <div> Daily jet service is provided, and several scheduled air taxis, air charters and helicopter services are available.</div> <div> The City & Borough operates five small boat harbors with 1,350 stalls, and a seaplane base on Sitka Sound, at Baranof Warm Spring Bay. </div> <div> There is a breakwater at Thompson Harbor, but no deep draft dock.</div> <div> A boat launch, haul-out, boat repairs and other services are available.</div> <div> Cruise ships anchor in the Harbor and lighter visitors to shore; a new lightering facility is needed.</div> <div> The Alaska Marine Highway system (state ferry) has a docking facility.</div> <div> The fast ferry M/V Fairweather serves Sitka twice a week with a 6-hour run to Juneau.</div> <div> Freight arrives by barge and cargo plane.</div> <bR> <div> <B>History, Culture and Demographics</B></div> <div> Sitka was originally inhabited by a major tribe of Tlingits, who called the village "Shee Atika."</div> <div> It was discovered by the Russian Vitus Bering expedition in 1741, and the site became "New Archangel" in 1799. St. Michael's Redoubt trading post and fort were built here by Alexander Baranof, manager of the Russian-American company.</div> <div> Tlingits burned down the fort and looted the warehouse in 1802.</div> <div> In 1804, the Russians retaliated by destroying the Tlingit Fort, in the Battle of Sitka.</div> <div> This was the last major stand by the Tlingits against the Russians, and the Indians evacuated the area until about 1822.</div> <div> By 1808, Sitka was the capital of Russian Alaska.</div> <div> Baranof was Governor from 1790 through 1818.</div> <div> During the mid-1800s, Sitka was the major port on the north Pacific coast, with ships calling from many nations.</div> <div> Furs destined for European and Asian markets were the main export, but salmon, lumber and ice were also exported to Hawaii, Mexico and California.</div> <div> After the purchase of Alaska by the U.S. in 1867, it remained the capital of the Territory until 1906, when the seat of government was moved to Juneau.</div> <div> A Presbyterian missionary, Sheldon Jackson, started a school, and in 1878 one of the first canneries in Alaska was built in Sitka.</div> <div> During the early 1900s, gold mines contributed to its growth, and the City was incorporated in 1913.</div> <div> During World War II, the town was fortified and the U.S. Navy built an air base on Japonski Island across the harbor, with 30,000 military personnel and over 7,000 civilians. </div> <div> fter the war, the BIA converted some of the buildings to be used as a boarding school for Alaska Natives, Mt. Edgecumbe High School.</div> <div> The U.S. Coast Guard now maintains the air station and other facilities on the Island.</div> <div> A large pulp mill began operations at Silver Bay in 1960.</div> <div> In 1971, the City and Borough governments were unified.</div> <div> Sitka offers abundant resources and a diverse economy. </div> <div> A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Sitka Tribe of Alaska; Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. </div> <div> The population of the community consists of 24.7% Alaska Native or part Native.</div> <div> Tlingit culture, Russian influences, arts and artifacts remain a part of the local color.</div> <div> Sitka has year-round access to outdoor recreation in the Gulf of Alaska and Tongass National Forest.</div> <div> During the 2000 U.S. Census, total housing units numbered 3,650, and vacant housing units numbered 372. Vacant housing units used only seasonally numbered 169. U.S. Census data for Year 2000 showed 4,567 residents as employed.</div> <div> The unemployment rate at that time was 7.78 percent, although 31.84 percent of all adults were not in the work force.</div> <div> The median household income was $51,901, per capita income was $23,622, and 7.81 percent of residents were living below the poverty level.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="http://www.ast2.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ast2.com"> <img src="HTMLobj-202/aniGif.gif" alt="Rent this Space" border="0" align="bottom" width="468" height="60">  </A></div> <bR> <div> Web Site by: <A HREF="http://www.AST2.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.AST2.com">AST2.com</A>   Low Cost Business Sites</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>