Aleutians East Borough
(uh-LOO-shuns)
Current Population: 2,659 (DCCED 2005 Cert. Pop.)
Incorporation Type: 2nd Class Borough
Borough Located In: Aleutians East Borough
Taxes: Sales: None, Property: None, Special: 2% Raw Fish Tax
Location and Climate
Based in Sand Point, the Borough comprises the westernmost portion of the Alaska Peninsula, and a number of Aleutian islands. There are five incorporated cities and two unincorporated villages within the boundaries of the borough.It lies at approximately 57° North Latitude and -162° West Longitude . The area encompasses 6,988.1 sq. miles of land and 8,023.5 sq. miles of water. The Borough lies in the maritime climate zone. Temperatures range from -9 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Annual precipitation is 33 inches and annual snowfall is 52 inches.
History, Culture and Demographics
According to archaeological evidence, the area has been inhabited by the Unanga since the last ice age. Early contact was with Russian fur traders who sought sea otters in these islands. Whaling, fishing and cannery operations brought an influx of Scandinavian and European fishermen in the early 1900s. During World War II the area was a strategic military site for the Aleutian Campaign, and many locals were evacuated to Ketchikan.
The population of the community consists of 38.6% Alaska Native or part Native. The area's rich resources have cultivated an extremely diverse population of non-Natives, Natives and Asians. The Unanga were called "Aleut" by Russian traders. "Unangas" speak the western dialect, and "Unangan" speak the eastern dialect. During the 2000 U.S. Census, total housing units numbered 724, and vacant housing units numbered 198. Vacant housing units used only seasonally numbered 80. U.S. Census data for Year 2000 showed 1,086 residents as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 41.42 percent, although 53.53 percent of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $47,875, per capita income was $18,421, and 21.83 percent of residents were living below the poverty level.
Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
This information is available on a community basis. Communities located within the Borough include: Akutan, Belkofski, Cold Bay, False Pass, King Cove, Nelson Lagoon, Pauloff Harbor, Sand Point, and Unga. There are 7 schools located in the borough, attended by 273 students.
Economy and Transportation
The Borough's economy is cash-based. Commercial fishing and fish processing dominate and occur almost year-round. 222 borough residents hold commercial fishing permits. Sand Point is home to the largest fishing fleet in the Aleutian Chain. Salmon and pacific cod processing occur at Peter Pan Seafoods (Port Moller and King Cove), Trident Seafoods (Sand Point and Akutan), and Bering Pacific (False Pass). The Peter Pan cannery in King Cove is one of the largest operations under one roof in Alaska. Transportation and other services provide year-round employment.
Several airports are accessible in the Borough, and float planes can land in many communities. Marine cargo vessels also provide transportation. The State Ferry operates during the summer months. Local transportation is primarily by fishing boats or skiffs, since there are no roads.
Organizations with Local Offices
Borough - Aleutians East Borough
3380 C Street, Suite 205
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone 907-274-7555
Fax 907-276-7569
E-mail developmentdirector@aleutianseast.org, admin@aleutianseast.org
Web http://www.aleutianseast.org
School District - Aleutians East Borough School District
P.O. Box 429
Sand Point, AK 99661-0429
Phone 907-383-5222
Fax 907-383-3496
E-mail gjacobsen@sdp.aesd.schoolaccess.net
Regional Organizations
Borough - Aleutians East Borough
3380 C Street, Suite 205
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone 907-274-7555
Fax 907-276-7569
E-mail developmentdirector@aleutianseast.org, admin@aleutianseast.org
Web http://www.aleutianseast.org
Regional Native Health Corporation - Eastern Aleutian Tribe
3380 C Street, Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99503-3949
Phone 907-277-1440
Fax 907-277-1446
E-mail lcdevlin@gci.net
Web http://easternaleutiantribes.org
Native Housing Authority - Aleutian Housing Authority
4000 Old Seward Hwy. #202
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone 907-563-2146
Fax 907-563-3105
E-mail jacques@aleutian-housing.com
Regional Development - Southwest Alaska Muni. Conf.
3300 Arctic Blvd. #203
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone 907-562-7380
Fax 907-562-0438
E-mail wayers@swamc.org
Web http://www.southwestalaska.com
Source: www.commerce.state.ak.us
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