 | 1. INTRODUCTION
Title:INTRODUCTION   
| 1.1. Purpose
Title:INTRODUCTION
The Kotlik Community Development Plan was developed to assure the public that a permanent community plan is accessible and used by the leaders of the community. The primary purpose of creation of the plan was to aide the local leaders that proper planning begins to ensure that coordinated and progressive growth occurs for the benefit of the residents. While growth is inevitable, local concerns about Yupik culture, subsistence, environment, fish & wildlife, morals and beliefs are important for the well being of the residents.
The time tested beliefs of honoring elders and respecting the young and being good stewards to the environment must be passed on to the generations yet to come. While educators may have viewed Yupik people as indigenous or aboriginal, we believe that our ancient teachings are the basis for successful, healthy living in any environment. While not all teachings are perfect, the basic guides to good humanity in the Yupik culture should compliment people of the world.
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| | 1.2. Acknowledgements
Title:Acknowledgements
 This plan was spearheaded by Mr. Robert Okitkun, Tribal Planner, with the assistance of Northern Management and a dedicated team utilizing Docmeister as the developmental tool.
The Kotlik Tribal Council would like to thank all individuals, local entities, regional service providers and agencies for contributing to the development of the online community plan. The Tribe would like to particularly acknowledge the efforts of Robert Okitkun, local Planning Coordinator for the Tribe and all the community residents and and other interested individuals for participating in the planning sessions and providing their valuable input.
Primary funding for the Comprehensive Community Plan was provided from U.S. HUD with matching support provided by the following entities:
Kotlik Tribal Council that contributed time and research into developing the plan.
Northern Management who provided technical support and assisted in the development of the Community Plan, while Bizware Online Applications developed the online planning platform. 
Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association for providing supplemental funding.
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) for access and coping and pasting information from the Kotlik Sanitation Facilities Feasibility Study, December 2003.
Association of Village Council Presidents provided valuable information from their Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy plan for Kotlik.
Photographs were provided by the State of Alaska, Community Photo Library and by Mr. Robert Okitkun, Ms. Rita Okitkun and Ms. Rosella Hem.
Information was also provided by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District website.
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| | 1.3. Kotlik's Online Planning System
Title:Kotlik's Online Planning System
Utilization of Bizware Online Application's "Docmeister" online document editor enabled the planning team to create the document online while other team members were able to view changes as they were being made. This synergistic planning allowed creation of the document faster and more thoroughly.
Utilization of an online planning system enables the Tribe's staff to ensure that the community plan is timely and relevant. It may also provide a means of communicating current project status to residents and other agencies.
It is our vision that this Online Community Plan becomes a living tool that continues to guide development in the community.
The online community plan can be accessed at the following web address:
www.KotlikAlaska.com
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| | 2. PLANNING PROCESS
| 2.1. Creation of the Kotlik Planning Board
Title:Creation of the Kotlik Planning Board
The Kotlik Planning Board will serve the community in an advisory capacity. Membership of the Kotlik Planning Board will have an appointed member from each entity with meeting stipend being paid by their host organization. With representation from each entity, Kotlik should see efforts to establish team-building and eliminate duplication in projects.
The Planning Board will address critical and long term needs for the community. Recommendations will be made to appoint the lead entity to coordinate funding applications for projects. When matching funds are needed, the lead entity will work with other entities to seek additional funding.
The Planning Board will address issues that affect the community, region, state, nation and perhaps international issues. The land, environment, social, political and economic development issues will become topics of discussion. Transportation, commerce, culture, education and environmental issues will be brought up at meetings. Some examples of discussion may involve oil and gas exploration, mining, roads, railways and a tunnel under the Bering Sea enabling worldwide railway connection.
Proper planning is crucial for Kotlik's membership to become involved in development of projects that affect our community and region. For many years, decisions for our community have been made by agencies and others that do not live in our village. A good Planning Board will have a positive impact on proper growth, increased prosperity and more pride by members of the community.
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| | 2.2. Kotlik Planning Board Guidelines
Title:Kotlik Planning Board Guidelines
1. Support by Community: A planning effort must have the backing of the community and the leaders. The residents should encourage efforts of the planning team in recognition of making the community a better place to live. All the entities should cooperate to improve our community.
2. Identify the Team: A suggestion to keep the planning team small (5 to 7 persons) was brought up at the February 16 & 17, 2005 public joint meeting. Perhaps one person from each public entity (City, KTC, BMS, HTC, KYC and Utilities) be appointed by each organization. Current and past Administrators, utility workers and individuals with knowledge of the political process would be good choices for the planning team.
3. Identify Funding Sources: The planning team should have a budget to pay a planning coordinator. Since planning is a function that is to help society, the funding source should be from a governmental entity.
4. Identify Projects: Critical and long term needs will be addressed by the planning team. While projects can be prioritized, the team should refrain from doing so because as one projects attains funding similar projects may receive concurrent funding.
5. Regional and State Coordination: Invitations to Regional and State agencies to attend meetings at Kotlik should be encouraged. Funding and technical assistance sources could be identified and perhaps the visitors can become able technical assistants with a better working knowledge to Kotlik's needs.
6. Project Assignments: Each project identified as a need will need to have persons or entities assigned as lead agencies. As an example, a new landfill can be assigned to the city for major funding pursuit. While the City writes a grant application for a new landfill, the Tribal Council can request BIA roads funding as a matching grant to the new landfill. Each project assignment will need to cooperate with other entities to eliminate duplication.
7. Public Meetings: All planning team meetings can be open to the public. Projects that are planned for society are generally discussed in public meetings by the lead agency that sponsors a project. The planning board representatives and the coordinator can answer questions when needed. It is important to document projects discussed in public meetings to the minutes of the meetings.
8. Develop Calendar: The planning board should develop a calendar that identifies meeting dates for all entities. Application deadlines can be put into this calendar. Timelines for each project can be developed. A schedule of different events such as potlatches can be identified so as not to assign conflicting meeting dates. All other regional and state events can also be identified.
9. Do Follow-up: The planning board needs to do periodic follow-up of different projects. A scheduled monthly meeting would be good to keep track of the progress of projects. It would also help to identify different projects that can be worked on simultaneously.
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| | 2.3. Kotlik Planning Board Appointments
Title:Planning Board Appointments 2006
The current Planning Board members appointed in 2006 by their entities are the following:
Kotlik Tribal Council: Joseph P. Mike
Kotlik Yupik Corp.: Michael Prince
Bill Moore's Slough: George Waska
Hamilton Tribal: George Williams
Alternate: Rudy Williams
City of Kotlik: Stella Unok
The appointed members should serve on the Planning Board until they are elected out of office. This will ensure continuity of knowledgable members to remain on the team.
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| | 2.4. Planning Board Minutes
Title:Planning Board Minutes
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| | 3. COMMUNITY VISION & VALUES
| | 4. CRITICAL NEEDS IN KOTLIK
Title:Critical Needs in Kotlik, Alaska
HOUSING: 
Housing
Kotlik Housing Authority
INFRASTRUCTURE:
Water & Sewer Expansion
New Landfill
Dock Facility
Street Lights
Electrical Pole Upgrades
Airport IFR Lights
Warm Passenger Facility at Airport
Heavy Equipment & Equipment Storage/Garage
Alternative Energy
COMMUNITY FACILITIES:
Head Start Building
Inter-Tribal Court Building
Child Care Facility
Elder Care Facility
Health & Fitness Center
Community Complex
Public Safety Building
Youth, Teen Center
Cultural Center/Arts & Crafts
Cemetary Improvements
New Clinic
TRANSPORTATION/WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT:
Roads
Boardwalk Improvement
Bridges
River Bank Erosion Control
Dock Facility
Dredge Channel at North Mouth
COMMERCIAL/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
New Store
Hotel
Restuarant
Fuel Delivery
Recycling Center
Tourism
Reindeer Husbandry
New Airline/postal service hub for area
Gravel Quarry
TRIBAL PROGRAMS/SERVICES/TRAINING:
Kotlik Realty Services
Healing Circle
Training for VPSO's, Fire Fighters, Land Managers, Accountants, Administrators, Teachers, Health Providers, Heavy Equipment Operators, Computer Technicians, Tourism Operators, Guides and Boat Operators
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| | 5. COMMUNITY PROFILE
Title:COMMUNITY PROFILE
 Kotlik has a federally recognized Tribal Council which is the governing body of 634 enrolled tribal members. The majority of the original native inhabitants migrated from Chaneliak to Kotlik. Kotlik is a member of the Calista Corporation (a regional native corporation), the Association of Village Council Presidents (a regional non-profit corporation), the Lower Yukon School District (a regional school district), and the Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association (a regional Community Development Quota entity). Kotlik is located near the boundary line of Calista/ AVCP and the Bering Strait/ Kawarek regions and is the northernmost community of AVCP. The City of Kotlik incorporated in 1970 as a second class city.
The Kotlik City Council, the Kotlik Tribal Council, the Kotlik Yupik Corporation, the Bill Moore's Slough Elders Council and Hamilton Tribal Council have a close working relationship regarding community projects. Qerrulligmiut Foundation (a non-profit entity) is in the process of securing 501 (c) 3 tax exempt status from IRS and is another entity that should become active in the community.
The three tribal councils (Kotlik Tribal Council, Bill Moore's Slough Elders Council and the Hamilton Tribal Council) formalized an Inter-tribal Court upon adoption of the Kotlik Tribal Court ordinances in 2003. Nunapiglluaq Corporation and Kongnikilnomiut Yuita Corporation are ANSCA village corporations for Hamilton and Bill Moore Slough, respectively, are also located in Kotlik.
TRANSPORTATION
 There are no roads connecting Kotlik to other communities, nor are there any gravel roads in the village. Boardwalks are used in the community for pedestrian and small vehicles. Transport of passengers, cargo and mail is by aircraft via the State of Alaska owned airstrip. The State of Alaska, Department of Transportation opened a new 4,422x100 foot runway during the fall of 2000. Bulk fuel and heavy cargo are brought in seasonally by barge. The local residents travel in privately owned boats during the summer and overland during the winter with snowmobile, dogsled or small all terrain vehicles.
CULTURE
 The culture is predominately Yupik Eskimo and the members practice a fishing, trapping and subsistence lifestyle. Subsistence harvests include marine mammal species (beluga whale, seals and occasionally walrus), caribou, moose, migratory and resident birds, and various fin-fish species. Traditional clothing and arts and crafts products are made from subsistence caught species.
Several potlatches occur annually when Stebbins, Alaska residents and others nearby are invited. Eskimo dancing and sharing of gifts and stories are emphasized. The highlight of the events is the introduction and initiation of young dancers whose traditional Eskimo names (a name taken at birth after a deceased member) are announced and acknowledged. During this presentation, gifts are given to the surviving relatives and friends of the deceased. This special honor is paying tribute to the dead and is a means of healing for the surviving members.
A trait imbibed to all tribal members is to respect the environment, fish, wildlife and others, as conscientious stewardship will ensure continued replenishment of our plate. Our plate being the land, sea and environment where all the resources are harvested from for the sustenance of the people.
The Yupik people are instructed to greet strangers kindly and feed and house them if necessary. Sharing food, clothing and shelter to the needy is tutored as one never knows when that gesture will be returned and when it does it is usually in multifold.
The community has experienced strides in growth during the last 45 years. From days of using dogsleds and wooden skiffs with small outboards for transportation to using snowmobiles and aluminum boats with high powered outboard motors. From days of using the coleman lantern to use of electricity. From living in log homes of driftwood to modern homes raised on steel pilings that have modern boilers with baseboard heat and available electricity. From days of mail planes arriving once weekly or once monthly to daily multiple landings of various aircraft. From verbal communication to utilization of the internet.
In essence, our community has seen growth from the steamboat era lifestyle to appreciation of the space age technology. Yet, inspite of introduction of all the amenities, our residents still depend heavily on traditional subsistence harvests. The ancient teaching to support each other as well as respect others, the land, sea, flora and fauna are still disciplines taught to the growing members.
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| 5.1. History & Setting of Community
Title:History & Setting of Community
 The community of Kotlik is located in the north tributary of the Yukon Delta fan about 35 miles northeast of Emmonak. It lies 165 air miles northwest of Bethel, and 460 miles from Anchorage. It is located at approximately 63.034170 North Latitude and -163.55330 West Longitude. (Sec. 25, T028S, R026W, Kateel River Meridian.) Kotlik is located in the Bethel Recording District. The area encompasses 3.8 sq. miles of land and 0.8 sq. miles of water. The climate of Kotlik is subarctic. Temperatures range between -50 and 87. There is an average of 60 inches of snowfall, with a total of 16 inches of precipitation annually. High winds and poor visibility are common during fall and winter. Norton Sound and the Yukon are ice-free from mid-June through October.
The Yukon Delta fan has three main tributaries, the South Mouth, Middle Mouth and the North Mouth and Kotlik is the only community in the northern branch. The community is located at the confluence of the Kotlik River and the Little Kotlik River and two subdistricts of the main community are built across these rivers.
The village was first recorded during the 1880 census. The community grew when a new school was built and residents of the nearby villages of Chaneliak, Bill Moore's Slough, Pastolik and Hamilton moved to Kotlik during the late 1950s and early 60s.
Prior to purchase of Alaska in 1867, the Russian Orthodox had a church and cemetary established in Kotlik. Early Russian military contact failed miserably when after an of evening of attempted coercion, the Russians awoke to find no native people. The Yupik eskimo residents disappeared into the environment. It was only with dialog of religion by Russian Orthodox priests that the talks of trading and aiding the Russians continued. A few Russians intermarried to native women and became permanent residents. The off-spring being conversant in Russian and Yupik became the traders. Some of the current Kotlik residents are decendents of those Russian traders.
During the latter part of 1800s and/ or early 1900s, a fur farm (either fox or mink) was established in Kotlik. Our people have always been dependent on fur for income and/ or trade. Since this livelihood was at risk, it is quite plausible that the fur farm was sabotaged.
Northern Commercial Company (later known as Alaska Commercial Company) had the only store of the North Mouth region at Hamilton, Alaska. The Hamilton station served also as the headquarters for other area NCCo stores. Hamilton had the only post office for the area until a postal station was established during the early 60s in Kotlik. NCCo traded with local hunters and fishermen for fur and salmon and allowed credit for store goods. This commerce, while improving the lifestyle for the local natives, was also instrumental in contributing to development of rural Alaska.
While Bill Moore Slough and Pastolik had only three to four families at their locales, Chaneliak hosted the largest population of the area with about 100 people. The Catholic Church established a church there and the Government built a one room Alaska Native School building there. The Bureau of Indian Affairs later became the primary entity to entice other native families from the area to live at Chaneliak. It is possible that an IRA form of tribal government may have been established at Chaneliak.
 An intense fall flood during the early 50s drew floating chunks of ice and damaged a trading post and some homes at Chaneliak. The damage created enough concern that the Bureau of Indian Affairs built a new school about 5 miles up the Yukon River in a community now known as Kotlik.
The terrain around Kotlik is a marshy lowland of alluvial deposits and the rivers are surrounded with willows. The community is prone to floods during autumn as tides are extreme with the fall storms. Concurrently, spring ice break-up normally does not cause floods as there are many other drainages along the delta fan. Kotlik is located near the edge of the fan and is last to become affected by the river outflow. The Nulato Hills are located about 25 to 30 miles to the east of Kotlik. The Bering Sea or the southern Norton Sound is about 6 miles north and east of the community.
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| | 5.2. Existing Population, Demographics & Population Forecast
Title:Existing Population, Demographics & Population Forecast
Kotlik, incorporated as an Alaskan second class city in 1970, has a population of 588 residents (State of Alaska DCED certified in 2004) of which about 96% are Yupik Eskimo. The median age is only 18.5 years.
The community has experienced an average growth rate of 3%. Using this percentage, the projected 20 year population is as follows:
| Year | 2004 | 2005 | 2010 | 2015 | 2020 | 2025 | | Population | 588 | 606 | 702 | 814 | 944 | 1094 |
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| | 5.3. Economic Trends & Statistics
Title:Economic Trends & Statistics
Commercial fishing for herring in the Norton Sound and salmon in the Yukon River are the primary sources of income for majority of the residents of Kotlik. Eighty-three residents hold commercial fishing permits; they in turn hire one or two helpers to assist in their commercial endeavors. This translates into 41 % to 71 % of the population participating in commercial fishing. Some residents move to Emmonak or elsewhere to work at salmon processing plants. A few of the younger members participate in the "High Seas" fishery with YDFDA's CDQ partners. Kwikpak, Inc., a subsidiary of YDFDA started a "buy and fly" salmon operation summer of 2003.
Additional income is derived from trapping fur bearing mammals such as mink, otter, beaver, muskrat, fox and to a lesser extent the lynx, wolverine and wolf. The low price of fur has deterred trappers from making an effort to harvest fur. Traditional arts and crafts products are also sold, however, there is no stable market for them.
The local jobs are available at the Kotlik School, the Kotlik City and Utilities offices, the two stores, the Tank Farm, the Village Corporation office, Clinic, Headstart, the three tribal councils and the U. S. Postal Service. There are no industrial jobs available as all fish processing is done in other communities such as Emmonak, St Mary's, Marshall and Anchorage. There are no forests nearby and the potential for hard rock mining and oil and gas exploration are not foreseeable.
The unemployment percentage rate, according to the 2000 U.S. Census, is at 24.4%, with 57.9% of all 16+ not working. 21.1 % of the 101 households are below the poverty level. There is a potential workforce of 354 individuals with 205 persons unemployed. While the median income is at $37,750, it is probable that the highest paid jobs are certificated persons that work at the school and most of them are imported from places out of Kotlik. There are 149 persons with jobs and the majority are government workers.
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| | 5.4. Inventory of Human Resources & Training Needs
Title:Inventory of Human Resources & Training Needs
A community survey was conducted in 2006 to inventory the human resources and training needs of the community. Out of those surveyed, a majority has completed high school and many have taken college courses.
The top three training needs identified from the survey are in the areas of: construction trades, business office, and heavy equipment operation.
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| | 6. CURRENT SERVICES & SERVICE PROVIDERS
Title:CURRENT SERVICES & SERVICE PROVIDERS
The current community services and service providers for Kotlik consist of the following: Association of Village Council Presidents 638 compacting programs with the Bureau of Indian Affairs; Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation training provision for health aides and lease of Kotlik Clinic; Lower Yukon School District operation of Kotlik Schools; various tribal services of Kotlik Traditional Council, Bill Moore Slough Council and Hamilton Tribal Council; City of Kotlik provides public utilities and village police; US Government runs the Post Office; the Roman Catholic Church and the Assembly of God Church are the two denominations; Kotlik Yupik Corporation operates the Kotlik Tank Farm and the Kotlik Laufkak; Alaska Commercial Company has a store; United Utilities provides telephone service; GCI is the internet service provider; AVCP has the Head Start program; Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association operates a salmon buying operation.
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| 6.1. City Services
Title:City Services
The City of Kotlik, incorporated as an Alaskan second class city in 1970, has a population of 588 residents (State of Alaska DCED certified in 2004) of which about 96% are Yupik Eskimo. The Kotlik Utility Board and Kotlik Utilities are subsidiaries to the City of Kotlik. The Utility Department operate Kotlik Electric Service, Kotlik Water & Sewer, Washeteria and Kotlik Cable. Aside from the services listed below, the City offers Bingo once or twice a week.
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| 6.1.1. Water & Sewer
Title:Water & Sewer
Kotlik has a piped vacuum sewer and circulating water utilidor, including plumbing for 51 homes. 19 households and facilities away from the City core area are not yet served, and these residents haul treated water from the washeteria across the Kotlik Slough, collect rainwater or melt ice, and haul honeybuckets to containers.
 The City provides honey bucket haul service to residents not connected to the City water & sewer system. The monthly service fee for the honey bucket haul system is $25.00. The service fees and monthly rates are adopted by ordinance by the Kotlik City Council.
Currently, the connection charge is $45/connection. The disconnection charge is $15/disconnection. The monthly residential rate is $85/month. The commercial rate is $115/month. Metered service is $0.10/gallon.
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| | 6.1.2. Electrification
Title:Electricification
 A new City Generation Plant with 4 new generators and electronics to sense electricity need was completed in 2002. With increased need for electricity, larger generators are automatically engaged and with decreased need, the smaller generators are utilized saving in fuel consumption. The plant has an underground fuel supply line from the new consolidated bulk fuel storage tank facility to a 4,000 gallon day tank.
The electrical system currently used is single-phase, but should three-phase electricity become a need, the newer telephone poles are equipped for the up-grade. Many of the older telephone poles are getting deteriorated and will need to be changed as some lines are sagging so low that with snow bank build-up, they are hazardous to the public.
Street lights are currently placed on alternate telephone poles. Many of the lights are not working. The City needs to provide better lights for safety purposes.
Funding was secured from Denali Commission, EPA and the State of Alaska for the $2.06 million project. Electrical rates are $0.40 kwh residential and $0:60 for commercial usage. The State of Alaska Power Cost Equalization (PCE) program provides a subsidy to residential users.
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| | 6.1.3. Cable
Title:Cable
The City of Kotlik Utilities Department offers cable television with about 30 channels to homes that request the service. The first installation service is $30.00 and re-connection for interrupted service is $50.00. The monthly rates are $36.05 and if three months advance payment is made it is discounted at 10% or $97.34 payment. Four Anchorage channels are available as is the state-wide ARCS channel for rural Alaska.
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| | 6.1.4. Solid Waste Disposal
Title:Solid Waste Disposal
The City of Kotlik and the Kotlik Yupik Corporation negotiated a land trade in 1985 to allow the City to have ownership of a landfill site in exchange for townsite lots for the corporation. The current site is located across the river and accessible only by boat and/or snowmobile and the new site is to be located in the main townsite vicinity. The City has no dumpsters, dump trucks or any trash pick-up services. Each household brings their own trash to the landfill.
Since trenching and burying is difficult in the area, the City is considering an incinerator and recycling to reduce the quantity of solid waste. The existing landfill is being closed. A Master Plan is underway to examine needed improvements.
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| | 6.1.5. Roads/ Trails Maintenance/ Heavy Equipment
Title:Roads/Trails Maintenance/Heavy Equipment
Kotlik does not have any roads, but if there were any, the City would be the entity to maintain them. A local boardwalk within the city limits was built about 1979 with surplus HUD electrification funds. All entities attempt to cooperate with repair costs. Kotlik Traditional Council was initially assigned responsibility to post snowmobile trail markers up to mid point between Kotlik-Emmonak and Kotlik-Stebbins.
The City of Kotlik has one catepillar D-5 bulldozer. The cat has been mired in the mud since 2004 and has not been used since. The City does not have an appropriate heavy equipment garage.
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| | 6.1.6. Volunteer Fire Department
Title:Volunteer Fire Department
The small red shipping container shown above, right accomodates code red fire fighting equipment. In 2003, Kotlik received Denali Commission funded Project Code Red equipment. This heated, lighted and shelved storage unit contains two mobile trailers that carry all necessary equipment to a fire utilizing a snowmobile or all terrain vehicle.
The Micro-Rural Fire Department (Project Code Red):
- Delivers 600 gallons of eco- safe fire fighting foam
- Recharges in 5 minutes for less than $50
- Safely fights fire from a range of 75 feet
- Equips 5 fire fighters with fully outfitted trailers
- Transports by ATV, snow machine, pickup or hand
- Easily accesses boardwalks and trails
- UL tested to 40 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit)
- Provides State certified training for firefighters
- Ships in container that doubles as insulated/ heated firehouse
All this for 70% less than a $250,000 new Fire Engine without taking into account the cost of building the firehouse for that fire truck, shipping and training.
More individuals need training in use of the equipment and the City needs a reliable budget for fire protection. Currently, individuals converge to fires to assist in any manner that they can.
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| | 6.1.7. Public Safety
Title:Public Safety
The community has four VPOs (Village Police Officers). Three paid by the City of Kotlik and an additional VPO is paid by the Kotlik Traditional Council. The VPOs have no formal training. Of the four community VPOs, one is a female VPO as well as the dispatcher. A majority of the calls that the VPOs respond to are domestic calls that involve alcohol abuse.
The VPOs are authorized to incarcerate individuals that violate state and local laws and on occasion assist the Alaska State Troopers by escorting prisoners to Bethel, Alaska. The VPOs are permitted to place intoxicated individuals in a holding cell for up to 12 hours or until they are sober. The VPOs are also called upon during search and rescue as well as fire and emergency response.
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| | 6.1.8. Snow Plowing
Title:Snow Plowing of Maintenance of City Limits
Kotlik does not have any roads within or leading into the community. There are no roads or trails that are plowed within City limits. The local on-grade wooden boardwalk is repaired when necessary by collaboration of user groups within the community, however snow removal is not done except by homeowners who clear their pathways.
The State of Alaska owned airport is maintained by an individual from the community who has a contract with AK DOT. The airport is well maintained and snow is cleared as soon as possible. The grader is usually in operation prior to dawn and snow is normally cleared before arrival of the first aircraft. The operations of the City of Kotlik should not be affected since this is a direct individual contract with DOT.
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| | 6.2. Tribal Entities
Title:Tribal Entities
Three federally recognized tribes are located in the community of Kotlik. They are the Native Village of Kotlik, the Native Village of Bill Moore's Slough and the Native Village of Hamilton.
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| 6.2.1. Kotlik Tribal Council
Title:Kotlik Tribal Council
The Native Village of Kotlik has a current tribal enrollment of 637 members. The Kotlik Tribal Council is the governing body that has a staggered elected 5 member council with President, Vice-President, Secretary/ Treasurer and two members. Each member serves a three year term.
The Native Village of Kotlik is the largest tribal entity within Kotlik and provides most of the essential tribal services. Services include Enrollment, Administration, NAHASDA, EPA, ICWA, TANF Case Management, Bingo, Clinic lease to YKHC and the Maintenance and Janitorial Contract to service the Clinic. Previously, NVK operated JOM, SYETP and Librarian Service and have plans to reinstate them.
Majority of the families immigrated from Chaneliak where the Bureau of Indian Affairs assisted the local residents with governmental services with food, clothing, health and educational support. Reindeer husbandry was introduced into the area when Dr. Sheldon Jackson imported reindeer to Alaska from Siberia in 1891 and 1892. Dr. Jackson, being the first General Agent of Alaska for the Bureau of Education, a Washington D.C. position, established a number of government schools—e.g., ten in the 1885-86 school year—with an annual appropriation for Alaska educational work provided by Congress through the Bureau of Education.
BIA was able to secure financial assistance to reindeer herders by providing for equipment, supplies and necessities such as boats to haul people and freight. BIA was also able to attain surplus governmental buildings from the US Army located at St. Michael. Soldiers from Ft. St. Michael provided assistance to area communities when needed, such as burying dead masses during the devastating influenza epicdemic in the early 1900s.
Nearby communities of St. Michael and Stebbins have IRA forms of tribal government and Chaneliak may have also been organized as an IRA Council. Archived BIA documents need to be explored to determine whether or not the IRA Government of Chaneliak could be transferred to the Native Village of Kotlik.
SPECIAL NOTE:
The Kotlik Tribal Council adopted resolution #06-01, Change of Name from Kotlik Traditional Council to Kotlik Tribal Council on March 18, 2006.
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| 6.2.1.1. Environmental Department
Title:Environmental Department
Report by Andy Hunt, Jr.
EPA Department
What we do at Kotlik Tribal Council Environmental Department. First of all we encourage the public as well as the local schools on recycling items that can be recycled, like for instance, we take household batteries, lead acid batteries, used oil, light bulbs, plastic containers, old computers, expired cell phones, ink cartridges, toners, typewriter ribbons, household hazardous wastes, bulk items like ATV, snowmachine bodies, refrigerators, freezers, old drum containers, as well as old bike frames, and dryers.
We also have 5 recycling bins, 2 located at the High School, 2 at the Head Start building, and 1 at the City Hall. The 2 schools that have these bins, recycle their own pop cans and ship them out to their desired recycler and they keep their money for school supplies. The one that is in the City Hall, we at the EP A Department keep the money we receive from our recycler. We also make shipping labels for the schools as well as for our selves.
We also participate in trainings held in Anchorage and/ or other cities or villages that host these trainings, as long as it pertains to our environmental issues and concerns.
2006 will be our 4th year with the EPA grant. After September 2006 we may have to close out our grant. We are not sure if we apply for another grant. I will be attending a workshop on grant writing for our Solid Waste Management held in Bethel January 18 to the 20th, 2006. Also, there is a workshop in St. Marys starting on January 10-12, 2006. This workshop is on GIS Mapping, and GPS Coordination. This workshop is sponsored by Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council out of Fairbanks, and is hosted by St. Marys Environmental Department-Serena Alstrom EPA Director.
I am also looking at the Capacity Building part of the Environmental Department. I was looking to apply for Air Quality, and Water Monitoring Technicians to build our capacity in our Department. We have experienced thick smoke in the summer. We still have 2- stroke outboards that leave 1 cup of gasoline for every 1 gallon that is used by these machines into our rivers and that would not be good for our river or stream. This would benefit our department by having a water monitor technician in our village.
As of today we are still looking for a van for our recycables, where we can gather all our recycables, ready for pickup and backhauled with Yutana Bargelines in the spring.
We are working and helping out BMS EPA Department on applying for a grant for a new burnbox, before or around the 2006 year. EPA said that Alaska will no longer have open dump burning, we will have to have a burnbox and burn all trash in the burnbox separating hazardous items and bulky items. So hopefully we get this grant before or around the 2006 year. Then they or we need to apply for a grant for a burnbox operator to maintain and monitor the burnbox. I think we need to close out the dumpsite and relocate to main side of town maybe 2-3 miles away from town. That is all I have for now, if I come up with other things I will keep in touch.
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| | 6.2.1.2. NAHASDA
Title:NAHASDA
A Report from Jewel Hendrickson
Tribal Housing Administrator
The Kotlik Tribal Council NAHASDA Housing Program has been operating since 1998. Since then, we have been renovating 3 to 5 homes a year. Our program renovates qualified and approved homes that are in need of winterizing or just replacing doors, windows, or flooring. Since I have been working with the housing program, we renovated 3 homes and we are planning to renovate 3 additional homes this Spring/ Summer with FY 04 development funds. If we receive funding for fiscal year 2005 early in the year, we plan to renovate 3 to 5 additional homes.
Our program also has Educational Housing Assistance Grants for individuals attending or planning to attend College or training. This program pays for part of the housing costs. It does not pay for tuition, books, etc. We are granted up to $5,000.00 per fiscal year and reward each individual $1,000 each or an amount approved by the Council.
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A Report by Paul Mike
AVCP Housing Summit
January 24-26, 2006
Welcome address by Ron Hoffman, CEO and President for the AVCP Housing Authority, welcoming us all to the housing summit meeting. Ron then introduced the Board of Directors for AVCP Housing Authority. Chairman for the Housing Authority is Moses White, V.C., Moses Paukan, Secretary/ Treasurer Robert, member Peter Joseph and one more from Aniak. Chairman White also welcomed us to the housing summit.
Mark Charlie, coordinator for the summit also welcomed all of us. Mark talked about Housing programs, Housing grants, Housing loans and asked which communities sent representatives from Village Corporations, Tribes and Cities that came together. He then talked about the main providers for the AVCP Housing Authority. They are from USDA, AFHC and ONAN.
Mark also talked about housing and water & sewer to be constructed, not just housing. How can we partner with the different organizations to address housing needs. Goal--It's going to take our corporation and village to make housing needs in Kotlik become reality. We should partner with other federal and state agencies to assist us.
The following presenters provided information about their programs:
Mark Romick--Planner, AK Housing Finance Corporation
Melanie Smith--Multi-family Programs, AK Housing Finance Corporation
Debrah Davis--Director, Rural Housing, USDA Rural Development
David Vought--AK Office of Native American Programs--HUD
Gary Bolling--AK Housing Finance Corporation
Susan Garrett--Loan Programs, AK Housing Finance Corporation
Esther Combs, AK Housing Finance Corporation
Ralph Lee--Rural CAP
Arvin Dull--Loan Manager, SWAN Mortage
Mark Charlie explained all the information in the housing summit binder packet. For more information, please look at the white binder packet.
There are 934 active applicants in need of housing within the AVCP region. It would be best for the Tribe and Corporation to work together in Kotlik to address housing needs. I would like to see a Housing Authority created in Kotlik to address housing needs.
I had a wonderful time at the housing summit at Bethel. I taped the meeting and anyone can listen to the tapes for more info.
This concludes my report.
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| | 6.2.1.3. ICWA
Title:ICWA
The Association of Village Council Presidents has entered into an MOA with Kotlik Tribal Council to operate the ICWA program. According to AVCP's website, the ICWA program addresses the following need:
Indian Child Welfare: Dedicated to the prevention of the break-up of native families and ensuring tribal involvement in the future of their children.
ICWA Report by Della Hunt
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is one of the services that the Kotlik Tribal Council provides and operates for its tribal members. The Tribal Council authorizes the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) to apply for, negotiate for and administer the ICWA program by annual resolutions, until such a time when the Tribal Council chooses to administer the program on its own. AVCP provides technical assistance.
The Tribal Council hires a local Community Family Service (ICWA) Specialist to become a liaison for the Tribal Council, AVCP, regional services providers and families at risk of break-up. He/she also acts as a mandated reporter when reports of harm are received. The liaison also maintains a list of families interested in becoming foster or adoptive parents maintain case files on all at-risk families and Child in Need of Aid (CINA) cases; provides reports to the Tribal Council by oral presentations at meetings, to AVCP ICWA Coordinator by written bi-weekly reports and BIA quarterly performance reports which are submitted via AVCP.
The liaison also participates in Office of Children’s Services (OCS) case plan development for families to ensure appropriates to at-risk families, monitoring the case plan for family compliance and assisting in meeting the case plan requirements. Conducts home visits with at-risk families in order to complete a family assessment, determine treatment goals, provide referrals and on-going support and monitors families. When Notice of Rights under ICWA is received, the Specialist presents the case(s) to the Tribal Council for their decision whether to intervene or not.
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| | 6.2.1.4. Clinic Maintenance
Title:Clinic Maintenance
The Kotlik Village Built Clinic (VBC) Lease Agreement with Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation was transferred from the City of Kotlik to the Kotlik Traditional Council on November 21, 2003.
The Tribal Council's maintenance agreement provides for janitorial and maintenance service as well as supplies to maintain the building. The contract also allows for the Tribal Council to pay for fuel, electricity and water & sewer services.
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| | 6.2.1.5. BIA Indian Reservation Roads Program
Title:BIA IRR / Transportation Planning
The Kotlik Tribal Council receives Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Reservation Road funding in the form of P.L. 93-638 contracts. These funds can be used for the maintenance, planning, design, and construction of transportation related projects, including boardwalks and trails. Currently, the Tribe is a recipient of a $2+ million dollar Indian Self-Determination Construction Contract to construct approximately 5,200 ft. of boardwalk in the village. The transportation program is also responsible for completing a transportation inventory, identifying local transportation needs, and funds administration.
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| | 6.2.2. Bill Moore Slough Elders Council
Title:Bill Moore Slough Elders Council
The Village of Bill Moore’s Slough has a five member tribal council with a current tribal enrollment of 109 members. Bill Moore’s Slough is currently an unpopulated community, and/or no U.S. Census data is available for the community. The site is located on the left bank of Apoon Pass, southwest of Kotlik, in the Yukon Delta. This was a landing and riverboat woodyard, first reported in 1899 by R.L. Faris of the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey as “Konogkelyokamiut.” The name Bill Moore’s Slough “was first noted in the 1961 Census. At that time, there were 32 persons living in the community. Bill Moore’s is a summer subsistence-use camp; traditional villagers live permanently in Kotlik. There are no year-round residents. Transportation is provided by boat or floatplane from Kotlik.
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| | 6.2.3. Hamilton Tribal Council
Title:Hamilton Tribal Council
The above photo is the locale for the Hamilton Tribal Office. The structure was built in the early sixties and was used as the first hall, then the clinic, then the Headstart and finally sold to a family.
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| | 6.2.4. Kotlik Intertribal Court
Title:Kotlik Intertribal Court
Report by Molly Aketachunak
Tribal Court Clerk
Tribal court judges have a tremendous amount of responsibility for the tribal membership. Tribal members put great trust in their officials to guide the community, and especially to protect the well being of the children. In order to comply with trust given to them, and to provide role models for other members of the community, tribal judges are expected to observe high ethical standards.
Tribal judges are in a unique position to improve the legal systems of the tribes. Through their work, actions, decisions, and honesty, justice may be improved and village problems healed. The strength and effectiveness of any court system rests upon the respect given to it by the members of the community. Tribal court judges are expected in their position on the court to be respectful of tribal law when outside the courtroom as well. The honesty of the court depends on respect and trust of the tribal court judges. Qualifications for judges may include background checks for felonies or other.
The most important thing is that judges need to be fair. If a case involves a person to whom a judge has a relationship that would prejudice that judge's decision, that judge should not hear that case. Each judge should ask themselves the question, Can I be fair in this case with this particular person?, and decide whether or not to excuse themselves from a case based on the answer. The court judge must see that all sides of a case are heard. Judges should always reassure all parties that their points of view are being fully considered.
The tribal court judge is the number one representative of the court. The court's honesty and fairness describes communities' faith and health in using a tribal court.
Tribal court judges should not practice law in their own courts, or, in any court subject to review or decide appeals in the process in which he or she serves.
A judge should encourage a separation between the judicial branch and other branches of tribal government.
A judge should not participate in legislative or executive decision making except where it is permitted by the tribe.
Special care needs to be taken when a judge sits on a tribal council. The appearance or possibility of conflict of interest needs to be avoided.
A good judge has a lot of patience, open mindedness, able to make decisions, and honesty.
Be able to exercise control and be attentive and persistent.
Insure that all interested parties that have a legal right to be heard are able to do so.
Confidentiality is an important issue for Alaska villages, where there are small numbers of persons and everyone tends to know everybody. Gossip about tribal court cases outside the courtroom is not permitted and it can damage the tribal court system and the parties involved in a case. Judges, tribal court clerks, and other person the tribal court has called to at hearings have a responsibility to respect the confidentiality of tribal court cases. The law of the tribes requires that all tribal court cases be kept strictly confidential.
Conflict of interest issues erode integrity of tribal courts or judges. Special care needs to be taken to guarantee fairness in all areas of the court system. A judge should not participate in cases involving someone with whom the judges is related to or has a strong personal relationship such as spouse, children, parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins. If a judge finds a conflict of interest in a case, he or she should withdraw from hearing that case. If he/she refuses to withdraw, the other judges should have him/her withdraw. The tribal courts may also bring in judges from other villages on a temporary basis to hear particular cases.
Methods built in to deal with these issues such as memorandums of agreements to use alternate judges for fairness purposes.
The tribal court and judges need to be devoted to the laws and customs and traditions of the tribe.
The judge has to be able to stand together to be fair and knowledgeable of issues and the exercise of enforcement to decisions.
The tribal court judge is responsible for the community. The tribal court reflects the community to other superior court such as the State or Federal. If the standards of honesty and fairness are maintained, the overall problems of the court are reduced.
The courts and judges need to be able to communicate with many different agencies in order to deal with the tasks at hand and to put our best foot forward.
In addition to being a good communicator, a good judge has a lot of patience, be able to make changes, open-mindedness, having the power to decide, and to be honest. The role of a tribal judge is a difficult one, and one that requires support from the tribal members to make the tribal court system successful.
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| | 6.3. Qerrulligmiut Foundation
Title:Qerrulligmiut Foundation
Qerrulligmiut Foundation was incorporated in 2000 to serve Kotlik as the non-profit entity for the community. The fisheries planning committee was instrumental in founding QF as the committee members realized that governmental entities or village corporations would become ineligible for grants in years that they were awarded projects.
Qerrulligmiut Foundation has applied for 501 (c)(3) tax exemption from IRS. To get such exemption will enable the Foundation to pursue funding sources from corporations or other entities willing to provide awards in lieu of paying taxes. This not for profit corporation was started exclusively for educational and charitable purposes and will be able to aide the needy during emergencies and/ or provide scholarships for higher education.
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| | 6.4. Kotlik Yupik Corporation
Title:Kotlik Yupik Corporation
Photo of the Kotlik Yupik Corporation was originally a single room 20' x 24' building and later a 20' x 22' attachment was constructed to connect the KYC office to the Kotlik Laufkak (Laufkak is the store in light blue). Pictured is the GCI installer climbing the ladder to install the GCI antenna for the Tribal Planner .
After passage of ANCSA in 1971, the village corporation, Kotlik Yupik Corporation was incorporated in 1973 with 220 shareholders. KYC is entitled to 115,200 acres of ANCSA 12 (a) lands and an additional 9,669 acres of 12 (b) land for final patent which should be issued in 2009. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA) stipulated that eligible communities will select allowable acreages on a contiguous basis from allocated townships for their land entitlement. Townships typically are 36 square miles, but because of circumferential adjustments to earth's design, Kotlik selection lands were amid that adjustment which allowed selection from two rows of 6 square mile townships, those being in Kateel River Meridian and Seward River Meridian. Because of this disparity, Bill Moore's Slough and Hamilton (abandoned townsites) were allowed corporate status and allowed to select lands.
Section 14 (c) of ANCSA requires reconveyance of land used by individuals and certain organizations prior to the federal enactment of ANCSA in 1971. Reconveyance for future public use are also required. The 14 (c) requi rements will be addressed by the corporation when the KYC receives final patent to their lands.
The corporation has provided life insurance to qualified shareholders with the corporation being the policy holder and some of the benefits paid to heirs after death.
The corporation has a subsidiary, the Kotlik Yupik Enterprise. KYE has two business, the Kotlik Laufkak and the Kotlik Tank Farm. Those businesses are described following this section.
The Kotlik Yupik Corporation also has an investment portfolio which is deemed the permanent fund for the shareholders. It is the vision of the Board of Directors that when this portfolio gains sufficient funds that distribution of dividends will be determined.
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| 6.4.1. Kotlik Laufkak
Title:Kotlik Laufkak
Pictured above is the front door. Several attachments have been made since initial construction. The light blue section is immediately behind the store and not visible in this photo. The KYC office is attached to that light blue section. The roof of the second attachment is partially visible next to the white connex van.
The Kotlik Laufkak was started as a partnership with Kotlik Yupik Corporation, Bill Moore Slough, and Hamilton Corporation in 1976. Before dissolution of the partnership, the store was known as the KBH store. Hamilton withdrew from the partnership in 1985 and Bill Moore Slough in 1987. When Kotlik became the sole owner, the store's name was changed to Kotlik Laufkak.
Intense competition with ACCo store kept profits marginal or at loss bases. KYC attempted to manage the store since inception with little success. In April 2004 KYC entered into a management agreement with ANICA. ANICA hires the management and staff and provides inventory from their company.
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| | 6.4.2. Kotlik Tank Farm
Title:Kotlik Tank Farm
  The Kotlik Tank Farm was started in 1982 to sell gasoline and stove oil commercially. Four steel 50,000 gallon US Airforce surplus tanks were floated down the Yukon River from Fort Wainwright. When ACCo ceased selling fuel commercially several years later, KYC became the only commercial fuel supplier in Kotlik.
After development of the first Overall Economic Development Plan (OEDP) in 1998, consolidation of all bulk storage fuel tanks was addressed. AIDEA/ AEA assistance in pursuit of funding from the Denali Commission, ICDBG and CDBG resulted in construction of the Kotlik Tank Farm where bulk storage tanks previously strewn in different parts of town were consolidated to one site. The land for the new tank farm is owned by the Kotlik Yupik Corporation. An Operation and Maintenance Agreement between the City of Kotlik and the Kotlik Yupik Corporation still needs finalization.
The bottom photo above is the dispensing station situated beyond the tanks (top photo). The Tank Farm is built on steel pilings that are driven 65' to 76' into "soils of peat and organic silt under lain by silty sand" (description of soils by Duane Miller & Associates "Geotechnical Investigation Power Plant Kotlik, Alaska").
Access of fuel for the Lower Yukon School District K-12 Kotlik School and the Kotlik Electric Service is provided via underground service pipe to the City owned Power Generation Plant Intermediate Tank that supplies 4 other day tanks and the school tank.
Fuel is barged in during the summer and repayment for the purchased fuel is made on a monthly basis to the fuel vendor. Loans from the State of Alaska are common to aide in the repayment. Vendors do not appreciate late payments and typically threaten not to deliver fuel for the next summer.
The following fuel prices became effective on December 4, 2005:
| Gasoline | Cash | $4.71 | | | Charge | $4.89 | | Stove Oil | Cash | $4.41 | | | Charge | $4.54 |
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| | 6.5. Kotlik Youth Council
Title:Kotlik Youth Council
A Report by Cyrilene Mike
Kotlik Tribal Youth Council Narrative
Cyrilene Mike of Kotlik brought up an idea to a few of her peers to gather young people ranging from 16 to 25 years of age to utilize and structure a Youth Council. The goal was mainly to be heard as one voice.
There were six individuals to run for a position, of which five will be elected to sit on the council by their peers and community members. The nominating petitions were signed and during the October 2004 elections the five were chosen.
The first meeting we conducted was on November of 2004, we established our Youth Council during this meeting session, of which the seats were nominated as is, Cyrilene Mike – President, Fredrika Prince – Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer – Della Hendrickson, Members – Eileen Matthias and Victor Tonuchuk, Jr.
There was an ordinance written up to follow set rules and responsibilities for being a Youth Council Member; this was made by following the Kotlik Tribal Council Ordinance with only the information needed for the Youth Council, but with little word changes.
During the Summer of 2005, the Youth Council sponsored a tournament to raise money to purchase a brand new monitor for the local teen center. This teen center was built in the early 1980’s and since then there has been no real renovation done to it; making the building hazardous to the safety of the youth's well-being.
During the tournament the Youth Council presented three certificates to recognize those individuals who volunteered most of their time. The youth council also sells refreshments to make money for more items that may need to be purchased.
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| | 6.6. United Utilities, Inc.
Title:United Utilities, Inc.
United Utilities Inc. provides telephone services for Kotlik. They are affiliated with AT&T Alascom for long distance service. UUI also provides cellular service within the community.
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| | 6.7. YKHC
Title:Health Services
The Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation contracts with the Indian Health Service to operate the YKHC Hospital at Bethel, Alaska which is the regional hospital for this region. They also have a sub-regional clinic stationed at Emmonak, Alaska. The local clinic is leased from the Kotlik Tribal Council by YKHC. All the local health aides are trained at Bethel and are paid by YKHC. Kotlik is slated to get a new clinic in the near future. The funding source for the new clinic is from the Denali Commission.
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| | 6.8. AVCP INC.
Title:Social Services
The Association of Village Council Presidents, Incorporated (AVCP, Inc.) is the regional non-profit organization representing about 58 communities within the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta region. Kotlik Traditional Council is a member community and BIA 93-638 contracted services such as Realty, Social Services, Education, Employment, Training & Child Care, Head Start, Natural Resources, Tribal Services and the Village Public Safety Officer programs are provided by AVCP, Inc.
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| | 6.9. YDFDA
Title:CDQ Services
The Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association (YDFDA) is the non-profit entity organized after passage of the Community Development Quota (CDQ) program by the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council. The Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program was created by the Council in 1992 to provide western Alaska communities an opportunity to participate in the BSAI fisheries that had been foreclosed to them because of the high capital investment needed to enter the fishery.
The purpose of the CDQ Program is to provide the means for starting or supporting commercial fisheries business activities that will result in an ongoing, regionally based, fisheries-related economy in Western Alaska. The program accomplishes this goal by allocating a percentage of all Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands quotas for groundfish, prohibited species, halibut, and crab to the six CDQ groups that represent eligible CDQ communities.
Kotlik, along with 5 other member communities formulate the YDFDA. YDFDA has a number of subsidiaries that participate in high seas fisheries, provide training opportunities, provide scholarships and operate Kwikpak Fisheries that purchase locally caught salmon and fly them iced in the round from Kotlik.
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| | 6.10. Educational Services
Title:Educational Services
The pre-school services are provided by the AVCP Head Start program. Students in K-12 attend the Kotlik Schools operated by the Lower Yukon School District (LYSD). Adult Basic Education service is provided by AVCP, Inc. All other educational services require travel to other places such as Bethel, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Seward, Palmer and schools not available within the community.
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| | 7. COMMUNITY FACILITIES INVENTORY & ANALYSIS
Title:COMMUNITY FACILITIES INVENTORY & ANALYSIS
Every current and proposed facility in Kotlik is inventoried in the Facilities Inventory and Analysis.
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| 7.1. Community Infrastructure
Title:Community Infrastructure
The Tank Farm, Power Plant and the Airport and Facilities are new and built within the last six years.
As of 2006, the facilities that are currently being worked on or will be up-graded included are:
- Water & sewer
- Boardwalk
- Solid waste
- Street lights
- Clinic
Listed below are infrasture development that are are planned but still not in existence as of 2006:
- Alternative Energy
- Barge Landing and Marine Facilities
- Bank Erosion
- Improved River Access Routes
- Roads/ Trails and Emergency Hunting Shelters
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| 7.1.1. Consolidated Bulk Fuel Tank Farm
Title:Consolidated Bulk Fuel Tank Farm
There are nine bulk fuel storage tanks in Kotlik, which are owned by the City of Kotlik and the Kotlik Yupik Enterprises. Of the City's five tanks, one is leased to the school district with 2 of the tanks serving the city generation plant.
DESCRIPTION [CONSOLIDATED TANK FARM]:
Construction of the consolidated tank farm was completed in 2001. The tank farm project was a cooperative effort between the Kotlik Yupik Corporation, the City of Kotlik, the Kotlik Traditional Council and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, Alaska Energy Authority. The tank farm is located at end of the community down river from the village and is situated on Kotlik Yupik Corporation land. The Corporation has ownership of four 48,000 gallon tanks and they are the commercial fuel supplier for the community. The City of Kotlik has ownership of five 48,000 gallon tanks and has leased one tank to the Lower Yukon School District for school use. An underground distribution pipe extends about 5,200 feet from a pump station in the tank farm to an intermediate tank at the Power Generation Plant. This consolidated tank farm has a capacity of 444,000 gallons, 342,000 gallons of fuel oil and 102,000 gallon for gasoline.
Name of Infrastructure: Kotlik Tank Farm
Year Built: 2000-2001
Total capacity: 444,000 gallons
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: Kotlik Yupik Corporation and the City of Kotlik
Name of Operator(s): Kotlik Yupik Corporation and City of Kotlik
General Condition of Infrastructure: Excellent
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES:
The Kotlik Tank Farm has an approved U.S. Coast Guard Operations Manual, Index to 33 CFR 154.310(a). All storage and dispensing tanks comply with the Uniform Fire Code as adopted by the State of Alaska. The Facility also maintains an EPA Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC), and a Facility Response Plan as required by the EPA.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Reviewed and Approved by Kotlik Planning Board: | 2006 | | Short Term (1-5 yrs), Mid Term (6-10 yrs.), or Long Term (11-20 yrs) | ST | | Local Lead Agency: | Kotlik Yupik Corporation |
Future Needs:
The Kotlik Tribal Council, City of Kotlik and the Kotlik Yupik Corporation need to formalize an Operations and Maintenance Agreement to establish the entities responsible to manage and maintain the common property and equipment related to operation of the tank farm.
Posible Funding Source(s):
Existing Operating Funds
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| | 7.1.2. Power Generation & Distribution
Title:Power Generation & Distribution
DESCRIPTION:
A new City Generation Plant with 4 new generators (2 each @ 275kw and 2 @ 420kw) and electronics to sense electrical need was completed in 2002. The plant was constructed on steel pilings elevated above the flood line. The plant has an underground fuel supply line from the new bulk fuel storage tank facility.
Funding was secured from Denali Commission, EPA and the State of Alaska for the $2.06 million project.
Electricity is provided by the City owned diesel generation plant and it has single and three phase capability. Rates are $0.40 kw residential and $0.60 for commercial usage. The State of Alaska Power Cost Equalization (PCE) program provides a subsidy to residential users.
The grey tank pictured above is the City's water holding tank for the new water treatment plant which is not visible as it is opposite the generator plant. The white tank partially visible is also atop piling is the intermediate tank connected to the underground supply line from the tank farm and it services the generator plant and four other day tanks to City and School owned buildings.
Name of Infrastructure: City Generation Plant
Year Built: 2002
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: City of Kotlik
Name of Operator(s): Christopher Hunt and Francis Hunt
General Condition of Infrastructure: Excellent
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES:
We are not aware of any compliance problems as this plant was constructed at the same time as the new tank farm and all federal, state and coast guard requirements were adhered to.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Reviewed and Approved by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | ST, MT, or LT | ST | | Local Lead Agency: | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs: The City needs to upgrage the power poles as some are leaning to one side and others are getting old and rotten. New City lights are also needed.
Possible Funding Source(s): Rural Electrification Agency, HUD, State of Alaska, Denali Commission.
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| | 7.1.3. Alternative Energy
Title:Alternative Energy
CURRENT STATUS OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT:
Alternative energy is only in the discussion stage. There has been mention at different meetings to research the possibilities of wind generation, solar energy and natural gas usage and various types of hydroelectric energy including tidal energy.
Oil & gas have not yet been identified, however, during the early eighties Exxon and others were interested in Norton Sound Lease Sale #57 and Kotlik is situated in southern Norton Sound.
USGS performed a seismic survey of the Yukon Delta utilizing a tug boat in the 1970's.
During the early eighties--Amoco/Calista did a seismic survey on the Yukon Delta from Sheldon Point to Kotlik, excluding Kotlik lands. Amoco broke negotiated agreement with Kotlik Yupik Corporation, hence KYC posted "no trespass".
Mid-eighties a Norton Sound lease sale #57 was cancelled after extensive seismic exploration was completed.
Calista performed an aero-magnetic survey in 1996.
Calista performed gas and oil-sheen sampling in October 1997. The community was previously opposed to off-shore exploration as many members felt it would affect fishing and marine mammal hunting. The Kotlik community members would like to see progressional safe exploration on-shore before any off-shore attempts can be made not unlike North Slope.
Residents of Kotlik would like to have natural gas exploration on shore near or at the community. Utilization of natural gas in the homes and with city electrical generation will decrease the cost of living.
The following excerpt is from the Engineering and Economic Analysis of the Norton Sound Lease Sale #188 prepared by Cameron Reitmeier of the US Department of Interior Minerals Management Service:
Engineering and Economic Analysis of Nome Prospect
v ii January 1, 2005
Executive Summary
According to the estimates in the Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources, Alaska Offshore
1995 Assessment, the Norton Basin contains 2,707.80 BCF of potential undiscovered
natural gas. Of this amount, at least 29.44 BCF is producible over 30 years and is located
within 30 miles of Nome. This large potential natural gas resource has not been explored
yet. The rise of gas prices in the last few years, the introduction of energy incentives, and
the advent of new technologies, have changed the prospectiveness of a small-scale, local
consumption natural gas production project in the Norton Basin. Commercial
developments involving a large scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) exportation gas
development project would not be economic.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Reviewed and Approved by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006
| | Short Term, Mid Term, or Long Term | MT | | Local Lead Agency: | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Future Needs:
With the increasing cost of fuel, the need to produce alternate forms of energy for electrical generation and heating water and homes is imperative. Community members wish to gather information and apply for grants for alternative energy.
Possible Funding Source(s):
TBD
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| | 7.1.4. Water & Sewer
Title:Water & Sewer
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: Water and Sewer Plant & Central Sewage Lagoon
Year Built: 2001
Kotlik has a piped vacuum sewer and circulating water utilidor, including plumbing for 51 homes. 19 households and facilities away from the City core area are not yet served, and these residents haul treated water from the washeteria across the Kotlik Slough, collect rainwater or melt ice, and haul honeybuckets to containers. Since trenching and burying is difficult in the area, the City is considering an incinerator and recycling to reduce the quantity of solid waste. The existing landfill is being closed. A Master Plan is underway to examine needed improvements. Electricity is provided by Kotlik Electric Service.
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: City of Kotlik; Utilities Department
Name of Operator(s): Harry Jimmy Okitkun, Superintendent; Wilbur Tonuchuk in training.
General Condition of Infrastructure: Good to excellent.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Reviewed and Approved by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | ST, MT, or LT | MT | | Local Lead Agency | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs:
The following is an excerpt from ANTHC w&s Feasibility Study for Kotlik:
1.0 Executive Summary
1.1 Overview
Kotlik is located approximately 130 air miles north of Bethel and approximately 90 miles southeast of Nome across Norton Sound. The village is located at the confluence of the Kotlik River, Little Kotlik River and Apoon Pass, which is a branch of the Yukon River. The main portion of the City is located on the south Bank of the Kotlik River. There are several homes located across the river on an island (East Island) and on a peninsula between the Kotlik and Little Kotlik Rivers (West Island).
In 2000, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) constructed the existing water and sanitary sewer system to serve the main portion of Kotlik. The “island” areas of the City do not have piped water and sewer facilities. Currently, the residents of these areas rely on collected rain water, river ice and a washeteria on the “mainland” for water. Sewage is collected and either deposited in existing sewage bunkers or in 55 gallon barrels which are sealed, collected and their contents deposited in the sewage lagoon in the main portion of the City.
The City would like to extend water and sanitary sewer services across the Kotlik River to serve the residents of the islands. In order to determine if this objective is technically and economically feasible, the City of Kolik, through ANTHC, has retained the Tryck Nyman Hayes/URS team.
1.2 Methodology
The project team performed the following tasks in the course of developing this study:
• Collection of Community Information • Identify Community Concerns
• Analyzed Existing Sanitary Facilities • Evaluate Existing Support Facilities
• Determined Needs for Improvements • Provided New System Design Criteria
• Created Sanitation Facilities Alternates • Created Support Facilities Alternates
• Identified Sources of Funding
1.3 Preferred Alternative
Based on our analysis of the various alternatives developed by the above process, the project team recommends the following for water and sewer service:
An under-river extension of the existing circulating water system from the central water treatment plant to each of the island areas of the City should be constructed. Water would be delivered in above-ground heated insulated utilidors to each residence. Individual sewage grinder pumps would be located at each residence on the Islands pumping sewage back in a separate line through the above-ground heated insulated utilidors and to the under-river force main. The under-river force main would then deliver sewage to the existing above-ground heated pipe on the mainland and finally empty into the existing central sewage treatment lagoon.
A proposed landfill site located about 1 mile downstream from the village, east of the new runway and approximately 150 feet from the south bank of Apoon Pass was recommended. This evaluation was the subject of an ANTHC Study. An ANTHC Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) for the new landfill was completed.
The new landfill site was chosen based on minimum distances from the airport, convenience for the community, location, and soil conditions. More detail is given in Section 9.4.
Consideration was also given to how garbage will be collected, transported and deposited from the Islands to the Mainland. These concerns included 1) city collection service versus self haul from the islands, 2) collection service in inclement weather, and 3) different modes of transportation needed to transport from Islands to solid waste site.
1.4 Estimated Cost
Table 1-1 gives the estimated costs for the above water and sewer recommendation. These costs are based on the entire system.
Table 1 1. Kotlik Sanitation Facilities Total Capital and O&M Costs for Alternate 2D
Costs ($) East Island West Island On-Program Homeowner Total
(per 15 homes) (per 20 homes) (Annual) (Monthly)
Capital* $ 1,507,950 $ 2,315,250 - - $ 3,823,200
Per Home $ 100,530 $ 115,763 - - $ 216,293
Phase Breakdown $ 1,557,950 $ 2,365,250 - - $ 3,923,200
Phase I $ 548,750 $ 847,250 - - $ 1,396,000
Phase II $ 1,009,200 $ 1,518,000 - - $ 2,527,200
O&M** - - $ 201,425 $ 87 $ 201,512
*Capital Costs Total does not include Watering Points required by phasing plans (est. $100,000).
**O&M Costs are system wide as are homeowner monthly costs.
Estimated construction costs for developing the new landfill at the recommended site east of the village are $680,000 and 20-year life-cycle costs are $1,150,000.
Table 1-2 through Table 1-5 gives a detailed breakdown of Phases I and II for East and West Islands for water and sewer.
Table 1 2. Phase I East Island Estimated Construction Cost for Alternate 2D
Phase I - East Island Unit cost Quant. Subtotals
Channel crossing for water LF $250 541 $135,250
Channel crossing for pressure swr LF $200 541 $108,200
Pressure sewer in arctic pipe LF $190 150 $28,500
Utilidor w/dual 4"wtr & pres. Sewer LF $240 300 $72,000
Watering point, swge dump & grindr LS $100,000 1 $100,000
Water Pump Modifications LS $20,000 1 $20,000
Electrical Upgrades LS $81,300 1 $81,300
Central LS modifications LS $3,500 1 $3,500
Total $548,750
Table 1 3. Phase I West Island Estimated Construction Cost for Alternate 2D
Phase I - West Island Unit cost Quant. Subtotals
Channel crossing for water LF $200 890 $178,000
Channel crossing for pressure swr LF $200 445 $89,000
Utiulidor add'n w/6"wtr & pres. Swr LF $200 1250 $250,000
Utiulidor w/dual 6"wtr & pres. Swr LF $250 350 $87,500
Watering point, swge dump & grindr LS $100,000 1 $100,000
Water Pump Modifications LS $30,000 1 $30,000
Electrical Upgrades LS $109,250 1 $109,250
Central LS modifications LS $3,500 1 $3,500
Totals $847,250
Table 1 4. Phase II East Island Estimated Construction Cost for Alternate 2D
Phase II - East Island Unit cost Quant. Subtotals
Utilidor w/4"water & pressure sewer LF $240 1380 $259,200
Sewage grinder pumps ea. $22,000 15 $330,000
Main Lift Station LS $50,000 1 $50,000
House connection ea. $16,000 15 $240,000
House plumbing ea. $12,000 15 $180,000
Totals $1,059,200
Table 1 5. Phase II West Island Estimated Construction Cost for Alternate 2D
Phase II - West Island Unit cost Quant. Subtotals
Utilidor w/dual 6"water & pressure swr LF $250 2510 $540,000
Sewage grinder pumps ea. $22,000 19 $418,000
Main Lift Station LS $50,000 1 $50,000
House connection ea. $16,000 20 $320,000
House plumbing ea. $12,000 20 $240,000
Totals $1,568,000
Possible Funding Source(s)
15.1 Sources and Uses of Funds
There are many different funding sources from which the City of Kotlik may be eligible for assistance for the construction of water, wastewater, and solid waste facilities improvements. Additional information for these and other programs can be obtained from the Resource Guide to Financial and Technical Assistance for Water and Wastewater Projects (ADEC 1999). Table 15-1 shows the subsections presented in alphabetical order with a description of a few of the potential funding sources identified during our research:
Table 15 1. Potential Project Funding Sources Summary.
Potential Project Funding Sources
Jurisdiction Program Potential Funding
State of Alaska Capital Matching Funds $25,000-$500,000
Community Development Block Grant Max. $500,000
Mini-Grants (Denali Commission) Max. $30,000
Safe Communities Program Varies
State Revenue Sharing Varies
Village Safe Water Grants Up to 100% Capital Costs
Federal (ANTHC) Regional Facilities Program Varies
Injury Prevention Program Varies
Sustained Operations Program Varies
(Indian Health Service) Sanitation Facilities Construction Program Varies
(USDA) Water & Waste Disposal Grants Varies
(HUD) Notice of Funds Availability Grants Varies
(EPA) CWA-ISA Grant Varies
Drinking Water Infrastructure Grant Varies
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| | 7.1.5. Solid Waste/ Recycle Center
Title:Solid Waste
DESCRIPTION:
Kotlik currently operates an unpermitted dump to dispose of solid waste. The current landfill is located across the Yukon River (Apoon Pass or North Mouth River) from the community and is accessible by boat during the summer and snowmobile or ATV during the winter. The site is not completely fenced or contained. There is no control of dumping and burning, and there is also no room for future expansion. Residents haul and burn their own solid waste to reduce volume. Approximately 117 (2000 U.S. Census) households utilize the open dump including 2 commercial stores and 23 Governmental/Service organizations. This dump is located upstream on Apoon Pass about a mile from the village. It is accessed by boat in the summer and snowmachine/sled in the winter.
In 1998 the City of Kotlik and the Kotlik Yupik Corporation agreed upon a land trade where the City would gain title to 6.41 acres of KYC land in exchange for 5 acres of municipal land within the municipal boundaries.
During the May 8, 2006 community joint meeting, the Bill Moore's Slough Elders Council was appointed as the lead entity to pursue funding for a new landfill since they were already active in pursuit of a burnbox grant and develoment of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan.
Name of Infrastructure: Landfill
Year Built: 1970s
Total Capacity: Near maxed out
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: City of Kotlik
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Reviewed and Approved by the Kotlik Planning Board: | 2006 | | Short Term (ST), Mid Term (MT), or Long Term (LT): | LT | | Lead Local Agency: | Bill Moore's Slough
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Future Needs:
The need for a new landfill was identified in the previous section, "Water/Sewer."
A burn box to incinerate waste products is desired. Recycling of different waste such as cardboard, aluminum, steel, newspaper and perhaps refurbishing used appliances and furniture may become factors to reduce solid waste.
Possible Funding Source(s): Denali Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, USDA.
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| | 7.1.6. Airport & Airport Facilities
Title:Airport & Airport Facilities
DESCRIPTION:
 The top photo depicts an aircraft departing the landing strip and a Cessna 207 parked in the parking apron. The second photo shows the airport maintenance building where the Department of Transportation owned grader and a small cat are kept within the heated building. The heavy equipment are used to remove snow and maintain the landing strip and apron. AK DOT contracts with local individual to maintain the facility and remove snow.
Name of Infrastructure: Kotlik Airport
Year Built: 2000
Length: 4,442 feet
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: Alaska Department of Transportation
Name of Operator(s): N/A
Certification of Operator(s): N/A
Annual Operating Costs: N/A - Operated by DOT
General Condition of Infrastructure: Good to excellent
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Reviewed and Approved by the Kotlik Planning Board: | 2006 | | ST, MT, or Long Term | ST | | Local Lead Agency: | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs: Passenger Waiting Area
Possible Funding Source(s):
HUD ICDBG, AK DOT, State Legislature.
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| | 7.1.7. Barge Landing & Marine Facilities
Title:Barge Landing
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: Barge Landing / Marine Facility
Year Built: N/A
General Description:
There is no designated Barge Landing and Marine Facility. Currently freight is dropped off near the tank farm area unless the barge is directed to drop off at another designated site, i.e. new school construction material were off-loaded at the old airport. We do not have a boat harbor as current skiff owners tie up nearest to their home along the riverbank.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Reviewed and Approved by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | ST, MT, or LT? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs: A designated docking area / barge landing is needed to off load freight from barges. In addition, a small boat harbor is needed to shelter boats from high winds, tide and potential swamping.
Possible Funding Source(s): Corp of Engineers, Department of Transportation, Denali Commission, Boats & Harbors, State of Alaska.
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| | 7.1.8. Bank Erosion
Title:Bank Erosion
 
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure:
Year Built:
General Description of existing erosion control: Kotlik has been losing river bank at approximately 3 feet per year. Past attempts to utilize concrete riprap failed after a few years. The silt washed away from under and behind the riprap allowing them to become ineffective. The top and bottom photos were areas that the riprap was used. The riverbank continues to erode and is getting perilously close to buildings. The middle photo is across the main community and the white building was originally the first Northern Commercial Co. store. It was moved several times and is again at the edge of the river. The Corp of Engineers performed a feasibility study in June 2003 on Kotlik Riverbank Erosion.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Reviewed and Approved by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006
| | Short Term, Mid Term, or Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Future Needs: Riverbank erosion control is needed to protect buildings in Kotlik. Our neighboring community of Emmonak had rock and gravel barged from Nome, Alaska to stabilize their river and it has stopped erosion considerably.
Possible Funding Source(s): Corp of Engineers; Department of Transportation, State of Alaska.
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| | 7.1.9. River Access Routes
Title:Apoon Pass Dredging: Mouth
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006
| | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Dredging is needed at mouth of the Apoon Pass to enable safe transport of boats to and from Norton Sound.
This channel has past history of dredging during the steam boat era. An old dredge was abandoned in Pastolik River which is adjacent to mouth of the Apoon Pass.
Commercial barge transport historically used this channel to barge goods to the Yukon River communities from St. Michael.
Kotlik has previously requested that dredging be placed on the State of Alaska 5 year plan. There is a concern that persons stranded at low tide may suffer hypothermia especially during the dark cold fall season.
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Title:Other Marine Facilities
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: Apoon Pass River Channel Dredging
Year Built: N/A
General Description: See Below
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Reviewed and Approved by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | ST, MT, LT? | LT | | Local Lead Agency | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs: The Apoon Pass river channel exiting to Pastol Bay and Norton Sound needs to be dredged to deeper water (three to five feet). The USCG maintains a navigational beacon at the mouth of the river, however boaters get stranded at low tides and cannot enter the river until the next tide. There is concern that persons stranded may suffer hypothermia especially during the dark cold fall season.
This channel has past history of dredging during the steam boat era. An old dredge was abondoned in Pastolik River which is adjacent to the mouth of Apoon Pass.
Freight barges traditionally used this channel to bring barges from Norton Sound and provide delivery to the Yukon communities.
Kotlik requested (a few years ago) that dredging of this river channel be placed on the State of Alaska 25 year transportation plan.
Possible Funding Source(s): The Corps of Engineers and/or State of Alaska.
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| | 7.1.10. Boardwalks
Title:Boardwalks
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: Kotlik Boardwalk
Year Built: 1980
Current Inventory of Boardwalks & General Description:
The boardwalk was built utilizing excess HUD electrification funds. The primary use was to haul freight from the old airport to the school and stores. Pedestrian and ATV use became common after construction.
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: Kotlik Tribal Council
General Condition of Infrastructure:
The boardwalk is getting dilapidated. A new boardwalk project has been funded from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Branch of Roads for a total grant of $2.4m, however, based on 2006 cost estimates, an additional $350,000 is needed to built the approximately 4,100 lineary feet of boardwalk that is slated for replacement under the BIA Boardwalk Improvement Project.
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES:
THE KOTLIK BOARDWALK PROJECT 2005-2006
The current boardwalk project from Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has had a tumultuous cycle of being funded to not being funded and back to being funded. The first retraction of funds may have been attributed to inactivity to proceed with construction, but more importantly, the United States was at war with Iraq and our government needed all necessary funds.
The Kotlik Tribal Council had gotten the funds reinstated with the assistance of Mr. Fred Smith from the Association of Village Council Presidents. During the restoration of the boardwalk funds, BIA made a stipulation that the Tribal Council will be awarded the funds after signing an agreement with the Bureau. BIA’s acceptance of the agreement stipulated that only the current boardwalk design by RP Kinney & Associates was to be strictly adhered to.
The Tribal Council was provided a short window of opportunity in which to sign the agreement. This agreement bound the Tribal Council to the project design however, community members were not provided sufficient information and time to submit knowledgeable comments to the project.
The current design elevates the ten foot wide heavy duty boardwalk 30” high with no railing. There are no ramps in the design for other vehicular cross traffic such as snowmobiles, ATVs or heavy equipment. There are no steps for pedestrians to access the boardwalk. This design is an elevated barrier for most modes of common transport for the community members. A current concern of the elevated boardwalk is maintenance.
The Yukon Delta (where Kotlik is built) was formed over hundreds of years of silt being deposited allowing growth of the delta fan. This alluvial deposit remains permanently frozen underground and causes periodic upheaval. Shifting of the land has posed foundation problems for many buildings. Locals are aware that even lands previously above the flood plain now are covered with water. The older HUD homes within the community had foundations replaced where the pads were placed upon the frozen permafrost, insulated and covered with existing soil. Shifting and sinking continued. The newer HUD homes have steel pilings forced into the ground to 38 feet. They seem to be holding steady so far. But, we fear this elevated boardwalk will shift and weave requiring additional funds to repair.
As the community grows, there is more mail and freight being hauled from the airport to the post office, stores, homes and the school. Distribution of freight alone requires heavier ATVs and larger freight carts. The old boardwalk, built in 1980 was constructed of 2”x 6” boards and is in serious need of repair. We are threatened with the fact that if freight is undeliverable from the airport airlines will quit delivering food and other items necessary for existence in the village.
We envision that lawsuits will become problematic as energetic children or ATVs go crashing off the boardwalk. Children as toddlers may fall off the boardwalk. Elders who become unsteady on their feet may also become prone to accidents. Ice during the winter will definitely become cumbersome.
Engineers in this day and age have constructed marvels in the world. One of the current marvels is an invention several years ago wherein interlocking mats called duramats are placed on tundra, bog or sandy, silty areas and pose no threat to the environment. This new material is virtually indestructible as heavy equipment has been used upon it traversing bogs and similar places.
Community members are more in favor of constructing the new boardwalk with the new material. Long term maintenance will be less challenging and threats of lawsuits should be nonexistent. We do not understand the reasons that BIA remains steadfast to the current design. The residents of Kotlik will have to live with the result of the designed construction.
Update 4/7/2006 - BIA has agreed to lower the profile of the new Boardwalk project to address the concerns of residents.
Update 10/10/2006 - The community's construction manager, BIA, and the Kotlik Tribal Council held a major teleconference to resolve lingering design detail conflicts. Significant progress was made on major items. It appears the only obstacle hindering progress at this point is the shorftfall in project funding to complete the project. A DCCED CDBG application is pending approval at DCCED for the balance of funding needed to complete this project.
FUTURE NEEDS:
Future Needs: A new boardwalk is needed.
Possible Funding Source(s): BIA
| Date Reviewed and Approved by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term, or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council
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|
| | 7.1.11. Roads/Trails
Title:Trails
CURRENT STATUS AND DESCRIPTION:
The State of Alaska Department of Transportation provided tripod trail markers for the Kotlik Tribal Council in 2004. Winter trail tripods have been placed or replaced annually between Emmonak- Kotlik and Stebbins/ St. Michael-Kotlik. In addition, the Tribe has not completed a Long Range Transportation Plan and included in that plan a comprehensive inventory of existing and proposed.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | ST | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Future Needs:
The winter trails need to be recorded on GPS to determine exact halfway mileage between outlying communities. Trails claimed for each community will make them eligible for more planning funds from IRR. As an example, Kotlik can claim mileage to the halfway point between KOT-WBB-SMK and halfway point between KOT-BMS. There is a need to develop a Long Range Transportation Plan and update the community's BIA Indian Reservation Roads inventory.
Possible Funding Source(s): BIA Roads and Trails Division.
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Title:Village Roads
CURRENT STATUS AND DESCRIPTION:
Kotlik does not have any roads. Current construction projects during the summer are put on hold until the ground freezes hard enough for heavy equipment to traverse upon.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Future Needs:
The tribe needs to update its roads inventory and complete a long range transportation plan to identify road priorities and projects. A new road is needed to and from the airport, a new landfill site and for general use about the community.
Possible Funding Source(s): BIA and DOT.
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| | 7.1.12. Emergency Hunting Shelters
Title:Emergency Hunting Shelter
CURRENT STATUS & DESCRIPTION:
The Yukon Delta area currently does not have any emergency hunting shelters. Existing fish camp structures are used for shelter during emergencies. However, a cabin was used near Pt. Romanoff until the early seventies. Travelers between Kotlik and St. Michael/ Stebbins used the cabin for resting and/ or overnight shelter. The old site was selected by an individual eligible as (Viet Nam era) veteran native allotment grantee.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | ST | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Future Needs: There is need for a shelter for travelers.
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| | 7.1.13. Street Lights
Title:Street Lights
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: Kotlik Street Lights
Year Built: Installed about 1983
Current Status & Coverage in Kotlik: Due to limited budget, the City of Kotlik selected to provide street lights at every other telephone pole. The original lights are amber lights and provided limited lighting.
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: Kotlik Electric Service
Name of Operator(s): Christopher Tommy Hunt
General Condition of Infrastructure: Some of the lights were replaced with better lights, however the existing street lights provide minimium lighting and there is a need to upgrade the system.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | City of Kotlik
|
Future Needs: The community street lights need up-grading to provide lights at every telephone pole. The current mimimal lighting is a hazard to pedestrians during the long dark winters.
Possible Funding Source(s): Denali Commission and Rural Energy Authority.
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| | 7.1.14. Community Infrastructure Strategy
Title:Community Infrastructure Strategy
Bulk Fuel Tank Farm [ST]: A new facility has been constructed, but an operations and management agreement still needs to be hammered out.
Shelters [ST]. Emergency hunting shelters need to be added at strategic locations along primary winter trail routes.
Power [ST]. The distribution system/telephone poles need immediate upgrading.
Airport [ST]. A heated passenger waiting area needs to be added at the airport.
Power [MT]. Should funding become available, up-grading the electrical system to allow 3-phase capability will enable production growth such as fish processing. Additional street lights need to be added.
Alternate Energy [MT]. Use of wind, solar, tidal and natural gas needs to be explored. With the price of fuel on the increase, it is becoming more difficult to keep amenities in households. We realize that communities using natural gas pay a price that is five times less than our cost. The Yukon Delta and Norton Sound Outer Continental Shelf have potential for natural gas. Wind generation has a high potential since Kotlik is located on the flat plains of the Yukon Delta.
Boardwalk [MT]. Replacement of the boardwalks are in process as the Kotlik Tribal Council has attained a 2 mil grant from BIA, Branch of Roads. However, the current project only covers 4,000 linear feet, and additional boardwalk is required to serve the remainder of the community.
Roads [MT]. Roads are inevitable as growth in the community occurs. There has been resistance to building roads as airborne dust could become problematic. However, construction of projects such as the new school were delayed until the ground was frozen allowing heavy equipment to traverse across the community. A Long Range Transportation Plan needs to be developed and the BIA Inventory updated.
Water & Sewer Expansion [MT]. Expansion of the water & sewer system is needed to the two satellite areas across the Kotlik river. The City of Kotlik and ANTHC are planning the project for expansion.
Solid Waste [MT]. The landfill operation requires an incinerator to reduce the volume of solid waste.
Riverbank Erosion [LT]. Stabilization of the river bank erosion has been of high priority during the last decade. Community leaders will continue to seek grants for erosion control.
River Access [LT]. The mouth and channels of the Apoon Pass River need to be dredged.
Barge Landing [LT]. A community barge landing is needed to off-load heavy equipment and construction materials. Kotlik does not have an approved barge landing area.
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|
| | 7.2. Community Buildings
Title:Community Buildings
The following community buildings are scattered throughout different parts of the communtiy. Some of the tribal offices are leased at other buildings due to limited space within the Kotlik Tribal Office. Some of the facilities such as the computer lab, recreational/cultural center, traditional arts & crafts, health & fitness room, day care, fire hall, heavy equipment shop, multi-purpose facility and the emergency shelter are still not in existence. A combination of those facilities may be included in a planned multi-purpose building.
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| 7.2.1. Municipal Offices
Title:Municipal Offices
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: City of Kotlik Municipal Office Building
Year Built: circa 1975
Total Square Footage: 2,400
Square Footage by Function(s):
City Clerk 360
City Office 80
Mayor's Office 110
Utility Office 506
Utility Manager 110
Headstart 570
ATAP 110
YKHC Counselor 110
ICWA 64
CBSPP 64
Total 2,038
Total Square Footage: 2,400
Less Total Functional Space: 2,038
Total Common Space: 362
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: City of Kotlik
Name of Operator(s): City Administrator
Certification of Operator(s): N/A
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility: The building is 30 years old and in need of renovation.
Known or Possible Code Violations: A code and condition survey needs to be completed.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs: The building has exceeded its useful life. A new municipal services building is needed - consolidating some or all of the existing functional space into a larger multi-purpose facility.
Possible Funding Source(s): State of Alaska
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| | 7.2.2. Tribal Offices
Title:Tribal Offices
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: Kotlik Tribal Office
Year Built: 1999
Total Square Footage: 780
Square Footage by Function(s):
Tribal Main Office 252
Administrator Office 81
NAHASDA Office 80
Tribal Court Clerk 160
Total Square Footage: 780
Less Total Functional Space: 573
Equals Total Common Space: 207
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: Kotlik Tribal Council
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility: The building is still in good condition, however it is too small for Tribal use.
Known or Possible Code Violations: A code and condition assessment needs to be completed.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Future Needs: A larger building is needed, since some of the tribal offices are located in the City of Kotlik municipal building. The existing clinic can be used as tribal offices once the new clinic is built.
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| | 7.2.3. Post Office
Title:Post Office
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: Post Office
Year Built: 2000-2001
Total Square Footage: 2,240
Square Footage by Function(s): N/A
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: United States Postal Service
Name of Operator(s): Aida Kamkoff, Post Mistress; Elsie Kamkoff, Post Mistress
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility: Excellent
Known or Possible Code Violations: None
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | TBD | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | TBD | | Local Lead Agency? | TBD |
Future Needs:
The building is maintained and operated by the USPS and no ST, MT, or LT needs have been identified at this time.
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| | 7.2.4. Community Hall
Title:Community Hall
DESCRIPTION:
The Kotlik Community Hall was constructed about 1978 and four additions to it were built in different years later. The hip-roof area is addition to the main hall to increase space. The furnace/ bathroom area seen on the far left of the above photo was added about the same time as the hipped-roof area. The storage space on the far right and the back porch on center of the above photo were added last. The large satellite dish is for the United Utilities building located adjacent to the hall.
The photo below shows the main entranceway (where the little girl is at far left). The small gazebo like structure around the fuel storage tank was built by the Alaska National Guard in the late eighties and it has fuel spill containment at the bottom.
The hall is constructed on a post and pad foundation and with frost upheaval there has been problems with the building shifting.
Name of Infrastructure: Kotlik Community Hall
Year Built: circa 1978
Total Square Footage: 2,700
Square Footage by Function(s): Inside Hall Space 2,106
Storage 88
Total Building Square Footage: 2,194
Less Total Functional Space: 2,106
Equals Total Common Space: 506
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: City of Kotlik
Name of Operator(s): City of Kotlik
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility: Good to bad.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs: The community needs a new hall. The building has exceeded its useful life and is inefficient to heat and operate.
Possible Funding Source(s): HUD, Denali Comission, State of Alaska and State Legislature.
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| | 7.2.5. Youth Center
Title:Youth Center
The Kotlik Teen Center was constructed during the early 1980s. The building has had minor renovation since construction and it is currently getting hazardous because of the delapidated state.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs: A new youth center is needed.
Possible Funding Source(s): State of Alaska
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| | 7.2.6. Multi-Purpose Facility
Title:A) Multi-Purpose Facility
Kotlik does not have a multi-purpose facility.
A multi-purpose facility can alleviate the need for more office space. The City of Kotlik and the three tribal councils will be able to improve cooperation of projects when they are located under one roof.
Central to the multi-purpose building can be the cultural center where eskimo dances can be performed. An arts and crafts work area can be adjacent to the cultural center. A computer lab, health and fitness room, day care center, an adult learning center, the Kotlik Intertribal Court and a tourist orientation center can all be located within the multi-purpose center.
All the entities in Kotlik should make a joint effort to get funding for a multi-purpose building.
FUTURE NEEDS
As approved and reviewed by the Kotlik
Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term, Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency | Bill Moore's Slough Tribal Council |
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Title:B) Recreation/Cultural Facilities
FUTURE NEEDS:
Community members have discussed potential introduction of tourism tours within the community. A building that displays cultural arts and provides electronic information about the environment, flora and fauna would be useful for tourist introduction. A shop for local artists can be provided in the building. Tourists and others would be able to see artists at work and perhaps purchase artwork onsite. There has been discussion to utilize the old high school for a cultural/ recreational facility.
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Future Needs: A new recreational/ cultural facility could be the central attraction for a new multi-use building. A design using the qasgiq (A Traditional Meeting/ Bathing structure also used for Eskimo dances) motif can be the place to perform traditional Yupik dances.
Possible Funding Source(s): Denali Commission, Dept. of Agriculture, Arts & Crafts, State Legislature.
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Title:C) Traditional Arts & Crafts
FUTURE NEEDS:
There is need for a facility that will allow residents to work on traditional arts and crafts projects. Yupik technology such as construction of the kayak, fur parkas, seal skin boots and other traditional arts need to be passed on to the younger generation. Utilization of a work area for such projects has potential for sale of arts and crafts by local artists. Creation of this new economic opportunity will enable local residents to earn additional income to pay for amenities necessary for current village survival.
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Future Needs: Application for grant for arts & crafts facility.
Possible Funding Source(s): HUD ICDBG, SOA CDBG, Private Foundations such as the Rasmuson Foundation.
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Title:D) Health & Fitness Room
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Future Needs: Kotlik does not have a health and fitness room. A place designated for exercise with weight lifting equipment, treadmills and exercise cycles along with health, wellness and nutrition information will aide those that need to maintain healthy living. A small area within a multi-purpose building would be appreciated by residents.
Possible Funding Source(s): HUD ICDBG, and similar funding sources.
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Title:E) Computer Lab/Public Internet Commerce Center
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | Bill Moore's Slough Elder's Council |
Future Needs: Kotlik does not have a Computer Lab/ Public Internet Commerce Center. However, with plans to introduce tourism, such a center located within the perimeter of a cultural center or a multi-purpose building would be appropriate.
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Title:F) Day Care
FUTURE NEEDS:
A day care facility is needed as employment of both parents of a household becomes necessary to meet expenses. The costs of heating fuel, electricity and food had increased multi-fold during the recent years. A proposed day care facility can become a part of a multi-purpose building. Such a faciltiy while allowing care for children too young for school will create employment opportunities for individuals.
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Future Needs: A day care facility
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| | 7.2.7. Educational Facilities
Title:Educational Facilities
The first school in Kotlik was built by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) in the early sixities. The K-8 school prompted growth of Kotlik as residents moved from other nearby communities to have their children attend school.
Headstart began under the auspices of RuralCap about 1975. The Kotlik Headstart was turned over to the AVCP Headstart program in the early eighties.
The old high school was constructed during the late seventies after passage of Alaska's Senate Bill 35 creating Rural Educational Attendance Areas and the start of Lower Yukon School District, a subsidiary of the State of Alaska.
The new K-12 school was built in 2002 and the old elementary school was demolished and the old high school declared surplus. The City of Kotlik has indicated interest to gain title to the old high school for community usage.
Adult Basic Education has been offered through AVCP when a coordinator has been able to be hired. Those desiring GED enroll in the ABE program and this program has assisted many individuals to get a high school diploma.
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| 7.2.7.1. Early Childhood
Title:Early Childhood
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotik Tribal Council |
Future Needs: Kotlik does not have any Early Childhood facilities. The Kotlik Traditional Council received a grant from HUD ICDBG in the early 1980s for a Battered Persons Shelter/ Day Care Facility, however were unable to secure operational funds. The building was transferred to the City of Kotlik to be utilized as a community clinic.
There is need to have Early Child Care as increasingly both parents are required to work to meet the high cost of living.
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| | 7.2.7.2. Headstart
Title:Headstart
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: Kotlik Headstart
Year Built: Late 1970s
Total Square Footage: 1656
Square Footage by Function(s): Office 187 sq. ft.
Food Storage 99
Classroom 690
Storage/Play 143
Total Building Square Footage 1656
Less Total Functional Space 1119
Equals Total Common Space 537
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: Kotlik Headstart Parent Committee
Name of Operator(s): AVCP Headstart
Certification of Operator(s):
Annual Operating Costs:
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility & Known or Possible Code Violations:
From : Mark Wasierski
Sent : Wednesday, May 24, 2006 9:43 AM
To : rbokitkun@msn.com
Subject : Re: Kotlik Headstart Status
Robert;
Sorry to have not gotten back to you sooner.
We are not required to have operation certifications for Head Start Centers. In the past Head Start Centers have need a Child Care Certificate but that requirement was removed about three of four years ago. The only certification we are required to have is a Kitchen Code Permit through the Child Care Food Program.
The annual operating costs for the Kotlik Head Start Center is approximately $200,000 per year. This includes wages, benefits, utilities and minimal maintance.
The general condition of the facility is poor and Kotlik is the higest priority for finding a suitable alternative facility. This facility is past its useful life and has siginificant foundiation and other structural problems.
At this point in time, I am unsure as to any possible code violations. This facility has not had a recent OEH inspection.
As mentioned, this facility is in need of replacement. Annualy AVCP makes requests to the Alaska Congressional Delegation for direct congressional appropriations. Request for funding to replace the Kotlik Head Start center has been made each year. Obviously, no funding has been appropriated to this point but we will continue to ask.
Mark A. Wasierski, Director
Head Start Program
Association of Village Council Presidents
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Headstart Parent Committee |
Future Needs: A new Headstart Building is needed.
Possible Funding Source(s): US Congress
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| | 7.2.7.3. Elementary
Title:Elementary
The old elementary school was demolished upon construction of the new K-12 school in 2002.
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| | 7.2.7.4. Old High School
Title:Old High School
 DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: Old High School
Year Built: 1977 +/-
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: State of Alaska
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility: Upon completion of the new school, the old high school was abated of hazardous material. All asbestos containing materials and other hazards were properly removed and disposed of. The windows were boarded up as vandals were breaking the glass. The heating units are old and should be replaced if the building is to be used.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Yupik Corporation |
Future Needs: The Kotlik Yupik Corporation has expressed interest in gaining title to the land and property. The building needs major renovation and KYC hopes to utilize the property as office space rental, bed & breakfast, cultural center, tourist orientation center and an arts & crafts work area
.
Possible Funding Source(s): U.S. EDA, Denali Commission, CDBG, ICDBG.
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| | 7.2.7.5. New School
Title:New K-12 School
 
DESCRIPTION:
The top photo depicts the main entranceway with the elementary section to the right and the main office immediately to the left of the doorway. The gymnasium is to the left toward the back of the building. The middle school and the library are between the gym and the high school. The bilingual (Yupik) room separates the elementary from the high school.
The bottom photo shows the gym area to the left and outdoor basketball court. The building furthest to the right is the student shop with teacher quarters in between and not shown behind it.
The blue tank in the foreground of the student shop is the water holding tank for the school. The white tank next to it is the fuel day tank for boiler room which was the old high school generator plant building.
Name of Infrastructure: Kotlik Schools K-12
Year Built: 2002
Total Square Footage: 40,047
Square Footage by Function(s): In additon to the new school, the following buildings, not including teacher quarters, are located within the school complex:
Student Shop 1,832 sq. ft.
Maintenance Shop 786
Food Storage 640
Generator Building 900
Water Equipment Bldg 320
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: State of Alaska
Name of Operator(s): Lower Yukon School District
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility: Excellent
Known or Possible Code Violations: None
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | | | Local Lead Agency? | LYSD |
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| | 7.2.7.6. Post-Secondary / Adult Learning
Title:Post Secondary/ Adult Learning
DESCRIPTION: Kotlik does not have a building dedicated for post secondary learning or adult basic education. The Association of Village Councl Presidents normally employs a local resident to coordinate Adult Basic Education and the classes are usually held at night in the Kotlik School.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Future Needs: As the community continues to grow, there is increasing need to have a local educational facility that provides opportunity for non K-12 education. An immediate need would be computer education, office skills and tax preparation. A new facility could also be used to aide residents in job preparation, use by educators to certify locals in special fields such as hazmat, asbestos workers, guides for tourism, boat operators, etc.
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|
| | 7.2.8. Health Facilities
Title:Health Facilities
DESCRIPTION: Kotlik Clinic
Year Built: 1982
Total Square Footage: 2,400
Square Footage by Function(s): Waiting Area 336 sq. ft.
Office 80
Exam Room #1 136
Exam Room #2 136
Exam Room #3 170
Storage Room #1 204
Storage Room #2 80
Total Building Square Footage 2,400
Less Total Functional Space 1,142
Equals Total Common Space 1,242
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: Kotlik Tribal Council
Name of Operator(s): Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility: The building is getting old, dilapidated and too small.
Known or Possible Code Violations: see YKHC OEH report below by clicking on the YKHC link.
FUTURE NEEDS:
Future Needs: A new clinic has been funded by the Denali Commission through YKHC. The site has been selected and construction is expected to start summer of 2007.
Possible Funding Source(s): Denali Commission
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| 7.2.8.1. Assisted Living Center
Title:Assisted Living Center
Some elders are currently being sent to places like Anchorage, 500 miles away and $300-$400 for one-way airfare. We hear of stories of some elders crying to return home as they see very few familiar faces in cities. As more individuals in our community achieve elder status and some are getting disabled, there is definitive need for some form of local elder care assistance. An assisted living home or center for elders would provide special care for those in need. Local food that elders are accustomed to would also be served to them.
FUTURE NEEDS
As approved and reviewed by the Kotlik
Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term, Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
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|
| | 7.2.9. Public Safety / Holding Cell
Title:Public Safety/ Holding Cell
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: City Jail
Year Built: about 1989
Total Square Footage: less than 600 square feet.
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: City of Kotlik
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility: Poor
Known or Possible Code Violations:
The small building pictured above has an office, a bathroom and 3 holding cells. The small building was constructed with a grant from the State of Alaska about 1989. There are no facilities for housing visiting troopers. There is no space for search and rescue equipment. The condition of the building is good to bad. There has been minor repair of building damage precipitated by intoxicated individuals.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | ST | | Local Lead Agency? | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs: A multi-purpose public safety building for fire hall, city jail, search and rescue, visiting trooper housing and perhaps local tribal court would be appropriate.
Possible Funding Source(s): State of Alaska, State Legislature, CDBG.
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| | 7.2.10. Fire Hall
Title:Fire Hall
DESCRIPTION:
The old shack on the left is the clinic ATV and rescue sled storage. The small red shipping container shown above, right accomodates code red fire fighting equipment. In 2003, Kotlik received Denali Commission funded Project Code Red equipment. This heated, lighted and shelved storage unit contains two mobile trailers that carry all necessary equipment to a fire utilizing a snowmobile or all terrain vehicle.
The Micro-Rural Fire Department (Project Code Red):
* Delivers 600 gallons of eco- safe fire fighting foam
* Recharges in 5 minutes for less than $50
* Safely fights fire from a range of 75 feet
* Equips 5 fire fighters with fully outfitted trailers
* Transports by ATV, snow machine, pickup or hand
* Easily accesses boardwalks and trails
* UL tested to 40 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit)
* Provides State certified training for firefighters
* Ships in container that doubles as insulated/ heated firehouse
All this for 70% less than a $250,000 new Fire Engine without taking into account the cost of building the firehouse for that fire truck, shipping and training.
More individuals need training in use of the equipment and the City needs a reliable budget for fire protection. Currently, individuals converge to fires to assist in any manner that they can.
Built: 2003
Total Square Footage: 80
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: City of Kotlik
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs: A fire hall to be at a multi-purpose public safety building would be ideal.
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| | 7.2.11. Heavy Equipment Shop & Yard
Title:Heavy Equipment Shop & Yard
DESCRIPTION:
Kotlik does not have a heavy equipment shop or yard. The only heavy equipment is a City of Kotlik D-7 cat which is stuck in the mud and now frozen in.
FUTURE NEED:
As the community grows, there is need for more heavy equipment with a heated heavy equipment shop, however roads are needed to accomodate heavy equipment. A heavy equipment shop built ongrade atop a gravel pad above the flood plain is needed.
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| 7.2.11.1. Heavy Equipment
Title:Heavy Equipment
DESCRIPTION:
Inventory of Current Heavy Equipment: D-7 Cat purchased in the early 1980s is owned by the City of Kotlik
CONDITION:
Major maintenance requirements: The cat has been stuck in the mud for several years and no use of the machinery since then.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs: The community is in need of heavy equipment, a proper yard and a heated maintenance shop. The equipment will enable residents to continue building the infrastructure especially roads and lot development.
Possible Funding Source(s): Alaska State Legislature, AK DOT, BIA.
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| | 7.2.11.2. City Shop
Title:City Shop
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: Kotlik City Shop
Year Built: circa 1982
Total Square Footage: 2,880
Square Footage by Function(s): Work Area 1,584
Common Space 1,296
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: City of Kotlik
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility: The building pictured above was constructed as the community's first electrical generation plant. The work area was utilized as the city shop for snowmobile and ATV repair and general use by the residents.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs: A heavy equipment shop built upon a gravel pad to keep heavy equipment out of the flood plain is needed.
Possible Funding Source(s): Alaska Department of Transportation, Alaska State Legislature.
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|
| | 7.2.12. Washeteria
Title:Washeteria
The community washeteria was constructed about 1982 or 1983. Residents are able to access coin operated washers and dryers and showers and saunas. The interior has been renovated several times and the pilings have been settling into the ground. Building shifting is getting problematic and a new washeteria should be considered.
FUTURE NEEDS
As approved and reviewd by the Kotlik
Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency | City of Kotlik |
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| | 7.2.13. Emergency Shelter(s)
Title:Emergency Shelter(s)
CURRENT STATUS:
Kotlik currently does not have an emergency shelter for battered persons. Individuals needing assistance are typically placed in private homes until they are able to travel to the Emmonak Women's Shelter or the Tundra Women's Shelter at Bethel.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs: As the community grows, there is increasing need to have a protective shelter for those in need. The placement of individuals to private homes are provided to two or three homes and only a few leaders know which homes are allowed placement to. A dilemma of not having homes available will occur during fishing seasons, subsistence harvest times or as individuals travel to other places.
Possible Funding Source(s): State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services.
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| | 7.2.14. Church Buildings & Cemetery
Title:Assembly of God Church
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: Assembly of God Church
The parsonage space is the front lower section and part of the upper deck. The rest of the upper deck includes the living quarters for the Church.
Year Built: circa 1970
Total Square Footage: 1,732
Square Footage by Function(s): Office Space 154
Church Space 483
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: Assembly of God
Name of Operator(s): Jimmy Okitkun, Lay Pastor
Certification of Operator(s):
Annual Operating Costs: $10,000-15,000
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility: Getting old
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | Assembly of God |
Future Needs: The Church is planning for new construction.
Possible Funding Source(s): Donations
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Title:Catholic Church
Parish Mission Statement
"We are the family of Christ working together to build our Catholic faith in Jesus through our Yup'ik way of living."
DESCRIPTION:
The first church (bottom photo) was moved from Chaneliak in 1962 and it is currently used as the visiting priest's living quarters. The current church was built by Father Plamondon (sp?) and local labor in the mid-sixties. Majority of the Kotlik residents are Catholics.
Name of Infrastructure: Saint Joseph Catholic Church
Year Built: mid 1960s
Current Status & Capacity:
The building is getting aged and the foundation had to be repaired several times, with the latest repair done summer of 2005. The forced air furnace is so old that the churh is not able to get parts for it. The capacity of church is 200 with maximum of about 300. The building is getting too small for funerals, weddings and holidays functions.
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of Fairbanks and the Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska.
Name of Operator(s): Kotlik Parish Council
Certification of Operator(s):
Annual Operating Costs: $10,000 to $15,000
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility: Getting old, dilapidated and run down.
Known or Possible Code Violations:
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Parish Council |
Future Needs: The community needs a new church. There is a need for a boardwalk from the river to the cemetary site. The old trail is usually filled with water during the summer.
Possible Funding Source(s): Private donations
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| | 7.2.15. National Guard Armory
Title:National Guard Armory
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: National Guard Armory
Year Built: circa 1968
Total Square Footage: 1,340
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: State of Alaska, Dept. of Military & Veterans Affairs
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility: Good
Known or Possible Code Violations: The Alaska Army National Guard has made periodic repairs and code upgrades over the years and there are no known code violations.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | TBD | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | TBD | | Local Lead Agency? | TBD |
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| | 7.2.16. Community Buildings Strategy
Title:Community Buildings Strategy
Many of Kotlik's community buildings are aging and, as a result of the extremely harsh climate and unforgiving soils, exceeding their useful life, including the following facilities:
- Clinic
- City Office
- Community Hall
- Youth Facility
- Headstart Building
- Washeteria
Due to their age, many of the above facilities are no longer efficient to operate, hazardous to occupy and use, and costly to bring back to code.
Other facilities in the community were undersized to begin with and lack adequate space for current services:
- Tribal Office
- Public Safety Building
- Fire Hall
- Shop
In addition to existing facilities being either delapidated or otherwise inadequate for current demand, there were a number of unmet needs that the planning committee would like addressed in the Mid-Term to Long-Term:
- Recretional/Cultural
- Arts & Crafts
- Computer E-Commerce Center / Tech Hub
- Health and Fitness
- Childcare/Day Care
- Early Childhood
- Assisted Living
- Emergency Shelter / Respite Center
- Post-secondary Training Facility
With the exception of the old High School, and in light of the age of most facilities in Kotlik, the planning board has prioritized new construction of facility space to house the above functions. It is anticipated that many of the existing community facilities, as they are vacated in favor of newer structures, will fill part of the need for temporary housing and/or community storage.
Community Facilities Strategy: ST
Public Safety Building [ST]. A public safety building that includes a fire hall, holding cell, emergency shelter and housing for visiting State Troopers or VPSOs is needed at a centralized location and preferably under one roof.
Community Facilities Strategy: MT - LT
Multi-purpose Facility. A Multi-purpose facility can provide various services to the community while decreasing the cost of operations. Central to the multi-purpose building can be the cultural center where eskimo dances can be performed. An arts and crafts work area can be adjacent to the cultural center. A computer lab, health and fitness room, day care center, an adult learning center, the Kotlik Intertribal Court and a tourist orientation center can all be located within the multi-purpose center.
Heavy Equipment Shop. A heavy equipment shop is needed and it can be constructed separately. Heavy equipment is needed to provide improvements to lots and construct roads in the community and to the proposed landfill. ANTHC has included Heavy Equipment Shop in their master plan.
Headstart. The Headstart needs a new building. The churches are getting old and will need to be replaced. The cementary need improvement, especially needed is a walkway where pall bearers do not need to cross water as they deliver caskets.
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|
| | 7.3. Housing
Title:Housing
The first public housing in Kotlik was provided by the Alaska State Housing Authority (ASHA) in the late 1960s. The second group of about 29 homes were provided by Association of Village Council Presidents Housing Authority (AVCP HA) and constructed in 1982. 19 additional HUD units were constructed by AVCP HA in 1999. The Kotlik Tribal Council NAHASDA department constructed 7 units in 2003.
As the population of Kotlik has been on a steady increase and young couples are starting new families there is demand for more housing. Apartments for lease are needed.
A small hotel or bed and breakfast facility is needed in Kotlik. This facility will become especially useful if tourism is introduced into the area. The hotel can be used to house visitors throughout the year.
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| 7.3.1. Residential
Title:Residential
DESCRIPTION:
Inventory of Current Residential Housing Stock:
The 2000 U.S. Census accounted for 139 total housing units with 117 occupied. 101 units were owner occupied, while 16 housing units were rentals and 22 units are used seasonally. The average household occupied 5.05 persons each. Heating methods for the housing units is mainly fuel oil, Kerosene at 90.2% and wood at 9.8%.
The first public housing in Kotlik were 16 Alaska State Housing Authority (ASHA) homes constructed in the mid 1960s. The second group were 29 HUD homes built in 1982. AVCP Regional Housing Authority constructed 19 homes in 2000. Eight homes have been built by the Bureau of Indian Affairs over various years. The latest public housing were constructed utilizing NAHASDA funds and they are 7 homes built in 2004. There are an additional 42 homes built by individuals for private use. The current tally is 121 homes in use in Kotlik excluding teacher housing and seasonal use homes.
General Condition of Residential Housing:
The homes most recently constructed are good to excellent condition. The 29 HUD homes are good to fair. The ASHA homes are in poor condition. The rest of the homes vary from poor to fair condition.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Future Needs:
There is need for more public housing as young couples are currently living in homes that they can gain access to. Some of those homes are in very poor condition.
Possible Funding Source(s): AVCP RHA, NAHASDA and private sources.
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| | 7.3.2. Multi-Family
Title:Multi-Family
DESCRIPTION:
Inventory of Current Multi-Housing Stock:
The current multi-family units in Kotlik are three duplexes owned by the Lower Yukon School District for teacher housing.
General Condition of Multi-Housing Stock:
The general condition of the three duplexes are in good to excellent condition.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | LT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Tribal Council |
Future Needs:
As growth of the community is on the increase, there is need for more housing. Having multi-family units will decrease the cost of operations and it may become feasible to have private entrepeneurs to invest in apartments for lease. There may be a possibility that the tribal entities can apply for grants for multi-family units.
Possible Funding Source(s):
US HUD, Alaska State Housing Authority, AVCPHA, NAHASDA, Denali Commission, Bank Financing and Private Sources.
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| | 7.3.3. Teacher Housing
Title:Teacher Housing
DESCRIPTION:
Inventory of Current Teacher Housing Stock: The Lower Yukon School District has three duplexes and four single family units for a total of 10 teacher housing units.
General Condition of Teacher Housing: The newer housing units are in excellent condition. The older duplex and single units are in good condition. The LYSD maintenance staff maintain the units throughout the year and do necessary major remodeling and/ or repair during the summer months.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | ST | | Local Lead Agency? | LYSD |
Future Needs:
The older housing units may need to be replaced. One unit was constructed during the early 1960s during the BIA era. Three single units were built during the late 1970s and have been remodeled several times.
Possible Funding Source(s): Lower Yukon School District.
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| | 7.3.4. Lot Development Strategy
Title:Lot Development Strategy
Past developmental priorities of the community has been for public infrastructural improvement and private lot dispensation. The City of Kotlik has been the primary entity charged with land and infrastructural improvements. The City owns the electrical generation plant and manages the water & sewer system. The City buildings include the electrical generation plant, the city shop, community hall, washeteria, city jail and the City offices. The City also leases land for the new Post Office. The Kotlik Tribal Council has site control for the existing clinic and the proposed site for the new clinic.
The first parcels of land for private homes were alloted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs during the late 1960s. The second parcels were surveyed by the Association of Village Council Presidents Regional Housing Authority. The latest parcels were subdivided by NAHASDA. The lots for homes have been getting incrementally smaller as growth in the community occurs.
The Kotlik Yupik Corporation attained title to the old airport site since there was a reverter clause upon construction of a new air field. The community members have aspirations of subdividing that land for future homes. The corporation has not made any determination as valuation and surveys need to be done prior to disposition.
The passage of ANCSA stipulates that the village corporation, Kotlik Yupik Corporation will select townsite lands and under section 14 (c) 3 of ANCSA must transfer title to those lands to the municipality of Kotlik.
The lot strategy for future lots will have to be inside of identified municipal lands and those lots for home or commercial development still need to be addressed by the leaders. It is apparent that lots for homes will be smaller than the first lots. Easements for roads and utilities need to be incorporated to the plan.
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| | 7.4. Commercial Facilities
Title:Commercial Facilities
The only commercial activity in Kotlik is the retail stores (2), the tank farm an a new "buy and fly" salmon operation during the summer.
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| 7.4.1. Fisheries Related
Title:Fisheries Related
STATUS OF CURRENT FISHERIES RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE:
 Kotlik is located centrally, between Norton Sound and fisherman's fishing sites on the Yukon. A commercial herring fishery occurs at Norton Sound and some residents from Kotlik participate in it.
During the 2003 fishing season Kwikpak Fisheries (a subsidiary of our local CDQ) started a salmon buying station at Kotlik. Fish are iced in the round and shipped by air to Emmonak or Anchorage.
YDFDA (local CDQ) met in Kotlik April 15, 2004 regarding projects for 2006-2008. Kotlik requested a fish processing plant with value add capability. A fish processing plant will introduce more employment opportunities, especially for college students that seek necessary income to supplement school needs.
Kwikpak has an annual lease of $1.00 from Kotlik Yupik Corporation to operate the salmon fishery on Kotlik Yupik Corporation land.
The top photo depicts the ice machine (white structure atop the connex vans) acquired by grant from US EDA Fish Quality Preservation Project YDFDA in 2000. The bottom photo is the fish conveyor belt to off load fish from a floating dock that skiffs tie onto.
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | City of Kotlik |
Future Needs:
The residents still would like to have a fish and meat processing plant to bring more job opportunities to residents.
Possible Funding Source(s):
US EDA and Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association.
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| | 7.4.2. Stores
Title:AC Store
The Unique and Proud
History of
ALASKA COMMERCIAL
COMPANY
Alaska Commercial Company is a retail company which provides groceries and general merchandise in stores throughout Alaska. Alaska Commercial Company's roots can be traced back to 1776 when Catherine the Great granted trading rights to the Russian-American Trading Company. The Russian Trading Company operated trading posts throughout Alaska, trading goods and services for furs, gold and other tradable goods. When the United States bought Alaska from Russia in 1867, the firm was sold to San Francisco merchants, Lewis Gerstle and Louis Sloss. The new company was re-named the Alaska Commercial Company. From 1868, to the Gold Rush Days of the early 1900's, Alaska Commercial Company was a provider of groceries and general merchandise for trappers, explorers and gold seekers.
These village stores, operating under the red Alaska Commercial Company flag, became the center of all community activities. The Company served as the Post Office, community hall, courtroom, marriage parlor, funeral home and a safe haven for travelers. It also served as the bank extending credit to customers working as trappers, miners and fishermen. Very little cash was used to purchase merchandise. The customers traded with pelts, gold, artifacts, fish, or whatever might have value to other customers.
In the early 1900's, the people who had come to Alaska for the gold rush were leaving. The number of AC stores began to shrink. The Company was reorganized to fewer stores, a navigation company and river barge lines. In 1922, the Company was sold to a group of employees and re-named the Northern Commercial Company. The employees, led by Volney Richmond, moved the corporate headquarters to Seattle.The Company became a major supplier of heavy equipment and machinery, contributing in the development of Rural Alaska. In the cities, the trading posts became department stores, auto dealerships and tire centers.
By 1974, the Company was being sold again. It was divided into three different companies. The department stores in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Kenai were sold to Nordstrom. The equipment and machinery division was sold to the Skinner Corporation of Seattle, and in 1977, the remaining eleven rural stores were sold to the Community Enterprise Development Corporation of Alaska (CEDC). Those eleven branch stores formed the basis of today's Alaska Commercial Company.
In November, 1992, Alaska Commercial Company was purchased from CEDC by The North West Company (NWC). Alaska Commercial Company, the largest Alaskan rural retailer, was joined with The North West Company, the largest Canadian rural retailer. This made the combined companies the largest North American rural retailer.
The North West Company is a 300-year old Canadian owned Company, operating under the "Northern" name. When Alaska Commercial Company was purchased in 1992, NWC had 3,500 employees serving 160 communities in northern Canada. NWC promotes individual creativity and productivity. The Company also encourages, recognizes and rewards success in their competitive markets.
By 1996, Alaska Commercial Company had grown from eleven stores in rural Alaskan communities, to 30 stores in 21 communities. Sales have grown from $11 million per year to over $80 million. Retail prices have gone down and many jobs have been created, which has improved the daily lives of rural Alaskans. The assortment and quality of merchandise is better than ever before. While rural Alaska has grown by leaps and bounds, the local AC store is still a vital center of local community life.
We have inherited a precious gift. As an employee of the Alaska Commercial Company you will share in this gift that is the history of Alaska. Through our efforts and hard work, the history of Alaska and Alaska Commercial Company will continue to go forward, hand-in-hand into the next millennium.
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: AC Store
Year Built: 1972?
Total Square Footage:
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: Alaska Commercial Co.
General Condition of Facility:
Note in the above photo that the riverbank is about 10 feet from edge of the building. Logs resting in the foreground were foundation material for several warehouses that had to be moved. The riverbank has been losing about 3 to 4 feet of embankment per year.
COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES:
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | ST | | Local Lead Agency? | Alaska Commercial Co. |
Future Needs: A new strore needs to be built.
Possible Funding Source(s):
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Title:Kotlik Laufkak
DESCRIPTION:
Name of Infrastructure: Kotlik Laufkak
Year Built: 1976
Total Square Footage:
OWNERSHIP, OPERATIONS, AND MANAGEMENT:
Name of Owner: Kotlik Yup'ik Enterprises, A Subsidiary of Kotlik Yup'ik Corporation.
CODE & CONDITION:
General Condition of Facility:
Known or Possible Code Violations:
FUTURE NEEDS:
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Yup'ik Enterprises |
Future Needs: A new store needed. Kotlik Yupik Corporation has a 280' x 400' lot within the municipal lands for future development, namely a new store.
Possible Funding Source(s): Small Business Administration, ICDBG, Bank Loans.
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| | 7.4.3. Gravel Quarry
Title:Gravel Quarry
Rock and gravel are currently being imported from Nome, Alaska or from Pitka's Point near St. Mary's, Alaska. Cost estimates a few years back was at $90.00 per cubic yard.
FUTURE NEEDS:
Rock sources fourteen miles from Kotlik have been identified for potential rock and gravel use. This source, while probably being cheaper to attain the resource will also create employment opportunities for local residents. The quarry can provide rock and gravel for bank erosion stabilization, road construction, lot improvement and a point of sale for neighboring communities.
| As Approved and Reviewed by the Kotlik Planning Board | 2006 | | Short Term, Mid Term or Long Term? | MT | | Local Lead Agency? | Kotlik Yupik Corporation |
Possible Funding Source(s): AK DOT, BIA, Corp of Engineers.
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| | 7.4.4. Commercial Facilities Strategy
Title:Commercial Facilities Strategy
The following are not in any priority order:
Gravel Quarry. The Kotlik Yupik Corporation had a gravel search study done in 1984 and sources of rock and gravel have been identified 14 miles from the village. It has been the aspiration of the corporation to develop this site as a gravel quarry. The village corporation would like to lease the land to either the City or the Tribal Council. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Roads and Trails Division may be able to finance the gravel quarry if and when the community can get grants for roads.
Tourism. The Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association provided a feasibility study to introduce tourism to the Yukon Delta within the last several years. The Kotlik Yupik Corporation is interested in providing a bed & breakfast and a guiding operation for bird and wildlife venturers. Boat operators with six-pack licenses and certified tourist guides are needed.
New Store. The Kotlik Yupik Corporation has a 280' x 400' lot for future development, namely a new store site. Corporate office space and office spaces for lease can be constructed under the same roof as the store. The corporation has also had preliminary discussions of either a bed and breakfast or a small hotel to patronize to tourists and visitors to Kotlik.
Fish Processing. A fish processing plant with freezer van storage capacity would allow value-add fish processing/ packaging after closure of the commercial fishing season.
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| | 8. LAND USE
Title:LAND USE
For a community to grow in an orderly fashion, it is important that there is
planned and controlled growth. As a means of achieving that purpose, zoning
serves an important role. With zoning, all the developed area and the area
identified to be developed in the future is classified into different zones
depending on the preference of the community and suitability of the land and
other physical features. The following are the most common zone classifications
for any rural Alaskan community.
Residential Zone
The area identified as suitable for single-family, multi-family and senior
housing development is classified as residential zone. It is the most important
and occupies the largest area in most communities. This area includes teacher
housing which usually is adjacent to the school buildings in rural Alaska. The
residential zone should be free from any kind of pollution. It is essential that
this zone have some open space, which acts as lung-space and keeps a healthy
atmosphere. The by-laws governing this zone should lay down the rules as to the
maintenance of the housing lots, streets, and other property in this zone.
Proper implementation of these rules will ensure the health, welfare and
prosperity of the population.
Community Facilities and Infrastructure Zone
Alaskan villages usually are served by a small number of critical facilities.
Most common buildings identified in this category are the school, church,
community center, teen center, head start, VPSO building, cemetery, etc. A core
area should be centrally located and should consist of all the facilities that
serve the local governance, and other public functions not involving industrial
activity. This includes the educational buildings, government buildings, public
security buildings, etc. There must be easy access to this area from all parts
of the community, and it must be located closer to all the residential areas of
the community. However, they should be divided from the residential areas with
sufficient setbacks and other physical barriers to avoid heavy traffic in the
residential zone.
Industrial
The power plant, city maintenance garage, water treatment plant, community drain
fields, dump, bulk fuel tanks, etc. fall in this category. This zone should
consist of all the facilities involving industrial activity. These facilities
must be as far as possible from the residential areas to avoid any pollution
that might occur. These are potentially dangerous to the environment and a
safety hazard to the general public. Any residential growth should be prohibited
within certain distance of these facilities. Areas surrounding these facilities
can be conveniently zoned for industrial development. Facilities such as dump,
drain fields, etc should be located on the outskirts of the community with a
defined access.
Airport
As the airport occupies a substantial area, this is classified as a separate
zone for the purposes of land use planning. The airport zone is further
classified into different zones depending on the proximity to the runway and
orientation to the flight path. The development around the airport is guided by
the rules of the Federal Aviation Authority.
Commercial
The commercial zone includes any retail or wholesale business establishments,
hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. Commercial zone is usually located close to and
on the edges of the residential zone. Commercial establishments should not be in
the neighborhoods but they must be in easy reach.
Open Space/ Recreational Zone
The open space or recreational zone is necessary for any healthy community. This
space serves many purposes such as recreational, environmental, and cultural
space for the community. This space can give character to the community. It is
important that each community designate a certain percentage of its developed
area under this zone.
No-Development Zone
All the area that is either unsuitable for development or identified as land to
be preserved for subsistence is classified into this zone."
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| 8.1. Subsistence and Existing Land Uses
Title:Subsistence & Existing Land Uses
Subsistence can be described in Kotlik as harvesting all species of local vegetation, berries, fish, land mammals, sea mammals and birds for food, clothing, shelter and tool utilization. This ancient method of survival from the land and the sea is still an integral part of communal living within Kotlik and neighboring villages. Although supplies and food are available in stores, the high costs tend to make them prohibitive for everyday living. It is therefore necessary for most households to gather and store various foods in traditional methods to survive. Besides, most locals prefer foods that are fresh and not diluted with preservatives.
The municipal land uses are described in previous sections. A typical subsistence camp is usually in tents and used on a temporary basis, about 2 days to a week. A subsistence camp can be to harvest berries, fish, birds or different mammals and can be during any season of the year. More permanent fish camps are used during the summer and may have a cottage and fish smoke house. Most are situated at native allotment lands or at approved village corporation lands or in federal lands.
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| | 8.2. Summary of Land Use Requirements
Title:Summary of Land Use Requirements
As growth in Kotlik continues, there is increased need to expand in the community. New lots need to be platted for development of communtiy structures such as the Multi-purpose Facility, new housing and any new commercial enterprise development. The City of Kotlik has land disposal ordinances and formal requests for land acquisition need to be read in City Council meetings.
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| | 8.3. Available Lands & Suitability Analysis
Title:Available Lands & Suitability Anaylsis
The following is an excerpt from ANTHC "Kotlik Santitation Facilities Feasibility Study Dec. 2003:
Geologic Setting
Kotlik lies at the northern edge of the Yukon-Kuskokwim delta and floodplain system, roughly 5 miles from the Bering Sea. The delta system forms a wide plain of moderate relief between 10 and 15 feet above sea level in southwestern Alaska. Low relief hills, remnants of dissected natural levees and sand dunes, are dispersed among flat-lying floodplain terraces and partially filled old river meanders. The region is primarily underlain by Pleistocene to recent fluvial deposits of dark gray silt and sandy silt, which are locally highly organic near the surface and typically become sandier with depth. These deposits appear to thicken westwards; however, the thickness is not well defined. Although the deposits are thought to be primarily fluvial in origin, they may include marine members. The region is relatively flat, poorly drained, and almost completely covered by tundra and numerous small lakes.
Kotlik is located in a subarctic zone near the boundary between continuous and discontinuous permafrost. Permafrost is defined as that part of the earth’s surface where a temperature below 32ºF has existed for two or more years. Permafrost in the Yukon Kuskokwim delta system is naturally relatively warm and will begin to degrade if the thermal regime is adversely impacted by modifications to the ground surface. The thickness of the active layer (the near-surface ground that undergoes an annual freeze-thaw cycle) is largely dependent upon soil type, ground cover, and snow depth. Frost penetration beneath areas kept clear of snow may exceed 10 feet. On the other hand, frost penetration in areas covered by organic material or snow is typically 3 to 5 feet or less.
The site lies within seismic zone 1 as previously defined by the Uniform Building Code. Alaska has adopted the International Building Code (IBC), which has approved a more modern process of defining an area’s susceptibility to seismic damage. The IBC uses a system of ground motion and spectral response acceleration to indicate susceptibility to seismic damage. The ratings for Kotlik are shown in Table 3-5. Only few documented earthquakes of magnitude 6.0 or greater on the Richter Scale have been recorded in western Alaska, of which the 1958 Huslia earthquake (magnitude 7.3) is the largest. This shock reportedly produced extensive failures in surficial unconsolidated deposits. The second largest (magnitude 6.9) occurred in the Chukchi Sea in 1928. The nearest magnitude 6 or greater earthquake occurred more than 130 miles northeast of Kotlik in the southern Seward Peninsula. In general, the seismicity in western Alaska in the magnitude 2.0 to 5.0 range appears to be widespread and confined to relatively shallow crustal depths. The Yukon-Kuskokwim delta appears to be the least seismically active in western Alaska.
Table 3 5. IBC Seismic Designation Table.
Ground Motion Spectral Response Accel. % of Critical Damping Point Value*
Min. Considered for Alaska 0.2 sec. 5 25
Max. Considered for Alaska 1.0 sec. 5 8
IBC Seismic Sensitivity Rating taken from maps prepared for USGS/BSSC Project 97 by United States
Geologic Survey, Building Seismic Safety Council and Federal Emergency Management Agency
*Point value of spectral response acceleration expressed as a percent of gravity.
During conversations with the Village Council, it was explained that the land between the Kotlik River and the new runway has been getting dryer every year. The placement of fill to construct the runway, reaching almost to the river on the west, is cutting off the normal south to north drainage. It may be beneficial to the community to investigate this effect in relationship to potential development of the land between the runway and the river.
3.11 Subsurface Conditions
Soils
Soil conditions at Kotlik can be summarized as follows:
• Kotlik area soils are poor.
• Soils contain high amounts of water.
• Soils are soft silts and clays.
• The top 3 feet of soil is rich in peat.
• Soft soils continue to about 20 ft.
• Harder soils are found at about 40 ft.
• Soils present problems to construction.
• Thawed soils are too weak to support equipment.
• Drainage will flow into excavations, dewatering will be required.
• Work needing excavation is done in the winter.
Soils information obtained in geotechnical investigations conducted for design of the new school, recent sewer extensions and the new airport runway, indicate consistent and uniform soils conditions throughout the village area. Based on the consistency and uniformity of geotechnical conditions as reported, it is considered reasonably safe to extrapolate the reported conditions (for purposes of planning only) for sewer extensions to the islands. Copies of the essential elements of these reports are contained in Appendices C, D, E, F and G, and are summarized in Table 3-6. Locations of test holes are shown on Figure 3-10.
Figure 3 10. Geotechnical Study Test Hole Locations.
Table 3 6. General Summary of Soil Logs Data.
Shannon & Wilson H Gray & Assoc. RZA-Agra
(Investigation for
school, 1999) Blows (Investigation for
sewer const. 1980) (Investigation for runway, Feb, 1994))
(TH's 99-1 through 99-4) per ft. (TH's 1- 10) (TH's SB-1 to 31)
0 -3' Organic silts with traces of sand Organic silts with traces of sand
3 - 5.5' Peat rich Silt w/traces of sand Silt w/traces of sand
5.5 – 15’ Silts w/traces of sand & peat 2 - 5 Silt w/traces of sand Traces of permafrost in some holes
15 - 19' Traces of permafrost in some holes
19 - 20' Consistently stiffer zone
19 - 42' Soft to med. stiff
Below 43' 23 - 34
Blows per foot reported are based on SPT. The conditions encountered during our subsurface explorations for the Kotlik Replacement School are believed to be typical of the village (Shannon and Wilson). Borings were taken in the area occupied by the new school. The new school is located due south of the existing combined school, approximately 500 ft south of the south river bank. In general, the subsurface conditions were relatively uniform at depth with some variation in near-surface conditions. The soils generally consisted of slightly plastic silts with varying amounts of fine sand and clay, interbedded and with occasional layers of slightly plastic, silty clay. From the surface to a depth ranging approximately 3 to 6 feet, numerous peaty and peaty-rich layers were observed interbedded with the fine-grained mineral soils, and occasional thin peaty seams were observed to depths of about 20 feet. Based on penetration resistance, the soils were generally soft to medium stiff (penetration resistance values generally < 10 blows/foot) to about 40 feet with a stiffer or denser zone around 20 feet. This stiffer or denser zone appears to be correlated with a darker, lower-clay-content silt and an increase in fine sand content.
Below a depth of about 40 feet, penetration resistance values increased significantly to about 20 to 30 blows/ft. This increase in penetration resistance correlated with very stiff, darker-colored silt with a lower clay content. See Appendix C for a copy of the geotechnical report for the 2001 Kotlik Replacement School which contains soils boring logs and boring locations map.
Ground conditions on the East Island are similar to conditions in the main village: dry along the river, becoming wetter and swampy farther inland.
Groundwater
Groundwater conditions at Kotlik can be summarized as follows:
• Groundwater depth fluctuates with seasons
• Highest in summer and after heavy rain
• Lowest in spring before breakup
• Observed depth, May 1999 was 17 foot
• Summer excavations fill quickly
• 8 foot excavation in 2002 filled in a few hours
In early May, 1999, ground water depths were around 17 feet. This is considered to be near the normal seasonal low level. Based on field observations, it is safe to conclude that the maximum height of ground water is near or even slightly above ground surface in many areas during peak periods.
It is anticipated that the groundwater table will fluctuate seasonally with the stages of the Yukon River. Highest groundwater levels should be anticipated after spring breakup and following periods of extensive rainfall in the drainage basin headwaters. Groundwater levels typically drop throughout the fall and winter months and reach their lowest levels just before spring breakup. At the school site, groundwater was observed at a depth of about 17 feet. We anticipate that the ground water level at the time the boring was drilled (May) was at or near the seasonal low level.
The village as a whole evidences wet surface conditions. Excavations will fill with water relatively quickly. During the summer of 2002, groundwater was measured to fill an 8 foot deep excavation in just a few hours.
Soil pore water salinity ranged from 2 to 6.5 ppt (parts per thousand). By comparison, the salinity of seawater is around 35 ppt. Salinity in the groundwater will depress its freezing point. The depression of the freezing point of the pore water by such a dilute salinity is insignificant. It will be approximately 0.00011ºF from 32ºF to 31.99ºF. The term pore water describes water in the unsaturated zone above the water table. The unsaturated zone contains water (pore water) and air (pore air) in the pores between the soil particles.
Permafrost
Ground temperatures measured in a 60 ft. boring in May of 1999 ranged from 30.6ºF to 32.3ºF. The temperatures indicated that the upper 30 feet of the soil column was below 32ºF. However, the soils only appeared frozen and bonded to a depth of about 9 feet. Ice lenses up to 3/8 inch thick and constituting an estimated 5 to 15 percent of the soil volume were observed in a zone from approximately 5.5 to 9 feet.
By definition, soils that remain below 32ºF throughout the year are permafrost. It is possible that permafrost extends to a depth of approximately 30 feet. The freezing point of the soil pore water below a depth of approximately 10 feet may be depressed by the elevated salinity. In addition, clay size soil particle effects may further depress the freezing point so that the soils have a high unfrozen water content and appear poorly bonded. Soils within the active layer are typically bonded when frozen.
Before final design of utilities extensions to the islands, specific localized geotechnical investigations should be undertaken throughout the project area. It is considered essential that soils be sampled and tested below river bottom at the locations finally selected for under-river utilities crossings. Test borings should be advanced, and samples obtained to depths of not less than 5 feet below the lowest planned elevation of pipes crossing under the rivers.
Based on available existing data, it is considered reasonable for planning purposes to assume that any buildings constructed as part of the utilities extensions be either 1) buildings supported on wood cribbing on a compacted gravel fill, or 2) founded on piles extending to a depth of approximately 43 feet, and that measures be taken to avoid potential pile jacking due to frost. The existing soil conditions would not support piles until a depth of approximately 43 feet. The pile size cannot be determined until the load and configuration is known. Separate field geotechnical investigations and analyses should be undertaken prior to final design to insure that foundation designs are adequate for local conditions.
Also, based on available data, it can be assumed for planning purposes that utilidor design can be similar to existing for all areas of Kotlik.
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| | 8.4. Status of ANCSA Land Conveyances / 14(c)(3)
Title:Status of ANCSA Land Reconveyances/14 (c)(3)
The Kotlik Yupik Corporation has not submitted ANCSA 14(c) Map of Boundaries to BLM to date. BLM would like to have surveys for village corporations started in 2007 with final land patent issued by 2009. KYC would like to withhold 14(c) transfers until final land patents are issued to the corporation.
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| | 8.5. Land Use Map
Title:Land Use Map
The Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association (Our local CDQ Group) has financed a digital map development for Kotlik and other member communities. The map will be available in CD format by the end of 2006.
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| | 9. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Title:ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The historical economic stimulus for the area has been in hunting, trapping and fishing. During the gold rush era of the late 1800s and early 1900s, the only other available income was to sell cords of wood to passing steamboats. The Yukon Delta is comprised of silty wetlands and the nearest hardrock is at Hogback Hill about 14 miles from the community. There are no forests except for the Andreasky River drainage about 40 air miles away. The most feasible economic development opportunities are in providing human services and retail businesses. The only prospects for job creation are in fish processing, arts & crafts internet sales and gravel quarry development. Tourism, oil and gas exploration and hard rock mining are projects that could become reality if the community members embrace the ideas.
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| 9.1. Gravel Quarry
Title:Gravel Quarrel
Gravel is currently barged from St. Mary's or Nome at an average cost of $90.00 (2000 price) per cubic yard landed to Kotlik. Hogback Hill is located 14 to 15 miles from Kotlik and the volcanic rock beneath it has a higher degradation factor and should be better for road and bank erosion material. A local quarry, while allowing cheaper gravel would also enable more jobs for the community.
Although some residents opposed construction of roads in Kotlik, it is becoming more apparent that Kotlik needs roads to accomodate growth. Recent construction projects are kept "on-hold" until the ground is sufficiently frozen to allow heavy equipment to traverse the land. This has meant loss of income to purchase winter fuel or participate in fall subsistence activities.
The new landfill site will need a road. Development for new lots will need gravel land pads and road access.
The Kotlik Yupik Corporation currently does not have any plans to build the gravel quarry. However, if an entity like the City of Kotlik is interested in leasing the site, the corporation may lease the surface land. The purchase of rock & gravel has to be from the sub-surface owner, in our case, Calista Corporation.
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| | 9.2. Tourism
Title:Tourism
The idea to introduce tourism to Kotlik has been discussed since the late 80s to early 90s. Residents felt then that only when amenities such as water & sewer, hotel and better airport and electric service are available that it be reconsidered. Those up-grades except for hotel or bed & breakfast have been constructed.
The Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association (YDFDA} completed a two-phase report that explored the potential of cultural tourism in the region. The Phase I report "Market Assessment of Yukon Delta Tourism Opportunities" was completed in September 2004 and the Phase II report "Yukon Delta Tourism Development Guidelines" was completed in December 2004. Copies of the reports can be requested from Deborah Vo, YDFDA Rural Development Specialist, in Anchorage, AK.
The Kotlik Yupik Corporation Board of Directors appointed Mr. Pius Akaran to attend conferences on tourism and bed & breakfast. Beginning early 2006 the first conferences were held at Emmonak and Bethel. The conferences will continue until a business plan can be completed and a business licence acquired.
The Yukon Delta fan is one of the largest bird nesting habitats in the world. This is potentially a bird-watchers boon. Other visitor attractions include traditional seal hunts using spears with throwing boards, berry picking, fishing, ice fishing, dog team trips, plant collecting, wildlife viewing and visiting fish camps.
A proposed Cultural Center located within the proposed multi-use facility would be an excellent place to have an orientation for tourists. They would be able to view traditional arts & crafts and traditional tools and clothing. Televised monitors with information of the land, environment, flora and fauna would be appropriate. Tourist could perhaps view local artists at work at a proposed adjacent arts & crafts work shop. Local craftsmen can sell their arts and crafts at a designated site.
We envision tours by local licensed boat operators with six-pack license. Trained tour guides can provide historical, cultural and current information of the Yukon Delta, it's residents, habitat and life styles.
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| | 9.3. Oil & Gas Exploration
Title:Oil & Gas Exploration
The following points give a historical perspective to oil and gas exploration interest for the Yukon Delta region:
a. USGS performed a seismic survey of the Yukon Delta utilizing a tug boat in the 70's.
b. In the early eighties--Amoco/Calista did seismic survey on Yukon Delta from Sheldon Point to Kotlik, excluding Kotlik lands. Amoco broke negotiated agreement with Kotlik Yupik Corporation, hence KYC posted "no trespass".
c. Mid-eighties--Norton Sound lease sale #57 was cancelled after extensive seismic exploration was completed.
d. Calista performed an aero-magnetic survey in 1996.
e. Calista performed gas and oil-sheen sampling in October 1997.
f. The community was previously opposed to off-shore exploration as many members felt it would affect fishing and marine mammal hunting. Members would like to see progressional safe exploration on-shore before any off-shore attempts can be made not unlike North Slope.
g. Many job opportunities will be available if Oil and Gas exploration starts.
The following excerpt is from the Engineering and Economic Analysis of the Norton Sound Lease Sale #188 prepared by Cameron Reitmeier of the US Department of Interior Minerals Management Service:
Engineering and Economic Analysis of Nome Prospect
v ii January 1, 2005
Executive Summary
According to the estimates in the Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources, Alaska Offshore
1995 Assessment, the Norton Basin contains 2,707.80 BCF of potential undiscovered
natural gas. Of this amount, at least 29.44 BCF is producible over 30 years and is located within 30 miles of Nome. This large potential natural gas resource has not been explored yet. The rise of gas prices in the last few years, the introduction of energy incentives, and the advent of new technologies, have changed the prospectiveness of a small-scale, local consumption natural gas production project in the Norton Basin. Commercial developments involving a large scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) exportation gas development project would not be economic.
The residents of Kotlik would like shallow natural gas exploration done on or near the municipality of Kotlik in the near future. Utilization of natural gas for the electrical generation plant and to heat homes will substantially decrease the cost of living in the community.
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| | 9.4. Fisheries
Title:Fisheries
Narrative for Kotlik Seafood & Meat Processor
The goal of the residents of Kotlik, Alaska to establish a seafood and meat processing plant was determined after a town meeting in 1997 regarding Welfare Reform Legislation that decreases welfare recipients over time. A seafood and meat processing plant will create jobs promoting economic self-sufficiency while harvesting a renewable resource.
Anadromous salmon are most prime at the beginning of their long trek to the spawning grounds. The Yukon River king salmon has an oil content of over 20% higher than any other salmon of the world. The oil content rich with Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to potentially reduce heart disease.
We envision processing the prime salmon by freezing and several different methods of value-adding including canning, filleting, smoking, salting, pickling or cutting and packaging as steaks. The value-adding process can be done after the commercial fishing season has closed and during the winter months which will establish longer job prospects. An option for fresh h&g salmon iced in boxes will be available when market demands.
Various types of seafood such as crab, halibut, herring, cod, pollock and different types of meat such as reindeer, moose, seal, walrus, beluga can be additional activities to the plant as situation and modifications can be incorporated.
The historical mainstay of the economy is from commercial fishing as 83 residents hold commercial fishing permits and each boat employs 1 to 3 helpers which represent about 30% of Kotlik’s population.
Schenk Seafoods came to the Yukon River with a floating processor during the early 80’s. Prior the Schenk’s arrival, fishermen in the North Mouth tributary had to discard their catch during heavy fish runs as the processors exceeded their capacities from areas near Emmonak. At one such incident, three commercial fisherman discarded over 1,000 king salmon from one fish camp after a 24 hour commercial opening. Other fishermen in the Delta likewise threw away their valuable catches and lost thousands of dollars of potential income. Schenk Seafood’s arrival to the Yukon Delta proved fortuitous for fishermen in the North Mouth and Middle Mouth tributaries as fish waste became history. In 1992 Schenk Seafoods was cited for illegal fish purchases by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and subsequent conviction allowed ADF&G to auction their pick-up boats.
Majority of the residents practice a fishing, trapping and subsistence lifestyle. Subsistence harvests include marine mammals (beluga whale, seals and occasionally walrus), caribou, moose, mink, otter, fox, rabbit, migratory and resident birds and various fin-fish species. Traditional clothing and arts & crafts are produced from subsistence caught species providing additional income. Commercial fish earnings augment subsistence activities which is the dominant activity for majority of food gathering for the indigenous populous.
The only industrial prospect in the immediate future is for the harvest and processing of Yukon caught salmon and white fish and/or Bering Sea species as herring, halibut, crab, pollock, cod and sable fish. To have the capability to process Bering Sea seafood, minor modifications will be needed in the processing plant. Processing Reindeer and other wild meat is an option that can be added to the plant with purchase of a meat cutting saw.
The Yukon River Commercial Salmon Fishery recorded the lowest harvest level in 1999. Catches were lower than the disaster declared in 1998. Many of our fishermen did not catch a single salmon. There were two commercial openings in 2000 with dismal catches and no commercial opening in 2001.
Political pressure is mounting from the up-river communities and Canada to eliminate the commercial salmon fishery on the Yukon Delta. This fishery is very important to the residents as it is the only means of income for many fishermen, and this income is not only a supplement to but necessary for subsistence activities.
YDFDA is currently doing an exploratory fishery off the shores of the Yukon Delta to determine feasibility of crab and halibut commercial fishery. Other species could become possible to harvest such as shrimp, cod, pollock, etc. A seafood and meat processing plant could stand to gain more extensive use to sustain the facility, and in so doing it will create additional employment to the community.
Without income from the Yukon salmon fishery, many of the businesses have suffered. We are facing a critical time in this new millennium. It is sad that this country which boasts the world’s best economic opportunities has to see an extremely depressed area. The Wade-Hampton district has the lowest income level in the entire United States. A seafood and meat processing plant will alleviate the economic losses to local businesses and local earnings should circulate in the community about four times.
Scientists and biologists are at a loss as to the lack of return for the salmon, even when escapement goals are met. A parasite called the ichthyphonus is one of latest culprits to kill Yukon salmon. The salmon allegedly eat infested herring in the Gulf of Alaska. As Jude Hensler, former executive director of Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association, once stated in a radio talk show, “When there is a lack of return, it usually is an intercept problem somewhere enroute”. We think that we are having a serious intercept problem in the high seas by other countries, as well as other domestic fisheries along the US and Alaska coastline. Traditional ecological knowledge is that salmon populations fluctuate in a cyclical basis with some very lean years and some years they return in vast abundance.
There is an annual herring fishery at Norton Sound which nine members of Kotlik are permit holders. The herring season is sporadic and prices are usually $200.00 per metric ton except when fewer herring are caught from other harvest areas, then herring may be sold for $1200.00 per metric ton. The Norton Sound herring fishery is the last herring fishery of the season for the Pacific/ Bering Sea areas. A typical season may be as short as two a 2-hour openings or as many as four 6-hour openings. The returning biomass and market demand are the dictating factors to the prices and length of openings.
The Norton Sound area has a small fleet of crab harvesters that typically use 32’ or smaller boats. Only two or three residents of Kotlik have participated in the crab fishery. This small Bering Sea crab harvest is still in the building stage out of Nome, Alaska which is the only port to have fresh crab delivered for this region. The crab need to be delivered alive prior to processing otherwise the processors will not buy them. Nome is the nearest community to the crab harvest area that has the infrastructure to process and fly the product to market. Kotlik’s location is on the southern portion of Norton Sound and delivery of crab to Kotlik may be prove to be more cost effective to the crabbers, especially if a processor is available and since Kotlik’s new airfield is 4,400 feet capable of landing DC-6 and other freight aircraft.
Occasionally, large counts of pink salmon return to the Yukon Delta, but none of the fish processors buy them. The major marketable fish of the Yukon is the Chinook or King Salmon and summer chum and the processing space is geared for them. Past attempts to harvest pinks proved unprofitable and precious freezer space for kings and chum were taken up. Other edible species of fish that are available in Kotlik are chee fish, bering cisco, black fish, tom cod, pike, white fish, coho and fall chum.
Kotlik is located on the Yukon Delta fan and shares in the distinction of being one of the first communities (as are Nunam Iqua, Alakanuk and Emmonak) to have contact with the oil rich salmon. The Japanese, the world’s foremost salmon connoisseurs, buy nearly the entire production of Yukon kings for sashimi and salmon flakes.
Our plan to have a small seafood and meat processing capability permanently stationed within the municipality and hire local residents utilizing state-of-art US made processing equipment with fast freeze and efficient line production methods which increases production with less cost.
The community of Kotlik had 228 residents in 1970 and in 2001, 605 residents received Alaska permanent fund dividend checks. Jobs that are available are very competitive and there are no signs of relief. Having a sustainable seafood and meat processing plant in Kotlik is not only necessary but it will provide jobs where jobs are direly needed. Many of our younger adults and high school graduates need employment to meet their educational costs and summer employment at a seafood and meat processing plant will help them considerably. An additional tax revenue will be provided to the City of Kotlik from fish tax and increased consumer spending within the community.
Trade of various foods occurred frequently by the indigenous people of the Yukon River prior to Vitus Bering’s contact. It is assumed that fresh and dried salmon as well as other fish species and meat were commonly traded for consumptive use. Early trading posts purchased dried salmon to sell for human and dogsled use. Written records of commercial harvest of chinook date to 1918 with exclusions from 1925 to 1931.
Harvesting salmon as the mainstay of the Delta residents is a cultural and historical use activity. Fishermen take pride to provide their families during times of good harvest. Concurrently, bad seasons lead to problematic homes. Alcohol abuse, physical abuse, neglect, depression and suicide are more prevalent after a bad commercial harvest. Having a seafood and meat processing plant in Kotlik is not only compatible with local culture and value but it will enhance the quality of life for the community.
Funding for the seafood and meat processing plant has been pursued from both private and public funding sources. A grant from the Eagle Staff Foundation was denied due to insufficient points. A mini-grant application from RDA was also denied for the same reason. A request for technical assistance from EDA was denied. Multiple requests for different types of funding from the local CDQ group, the Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association have not been approved due to insufficient planning. However, YDFDA has approved annual planning grants from 1997 until 2000.
Salmon fishermen along the Alaska coastline are affected by farmed salmon as prices and volumes are on the decrease. Mr. Gunnar Knapp, an economic researcher for the University of Alaska stated “We need fundamental changes in fisheries management and in the future we have got to focus on making an efficient, dynamic, profitable industry.” We proposes to make this fundamental change by introducing new, labor efficient equipment to the fishing industry on the Yukon River.
The two large processors at or near Emmonak have been in existence since the early ‘60s. Their equipment are old and the useful life of them are near end. In comparison, we plan to attain state-of-art equipment made in the US compliant with all codes and safety requirements. The Fast Freezer System features a continuous-feed trolley freezing process that dramatically reduces freeze times and labor costs far and above those of conventional “batch” freezers. This freezer has a capability of freezing 3,500 to 4,000 lbs. of 6 to 8 lb. h&g salmon in one hour. The trolley rate and the bins can be adjusted to accommodate various freeze times and fish size. To have the ability to value-add salmon, seafood and meat after initial freezing will indeed eliminate the middle man from initial purchase of salmon from the fishermen to delivery to market.
The Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association attained a grant from EDA entitled Lower Yukon Regional Salmon Quality Preservation Project. They have provided Kotlik with an ice machine, a small generator and insulated totes for tender boats and fishermen. Ice will be provided to the fishermen with the intent of keeping the salmon temperatures cool until they are delivered to the processor. As previously mentioned, the land is available with utility access and utilization of containerized 40’ vans and refrigerated containers makes this project “ready for construction”.
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| | 10. CAPITAL PLANNING SPREADSHEETS
Title:Long Term Capital Budget Planning Spreadsheets
The attached Capital Budget Planning Spreadsheets are templates organized by each area of development (commercial facilities, community facilities, housing, infrastructure, transportation and waterfront, training, and special programs) and are designed to be used during the implementation phase of the Tribe's Capital Projects.
As details of a specific capital project become clearer, including the scope of the project as well as preliminary order of magnitude cost estimates, general budgetary information can be input into the planning spreadsheet, and a strategy for funding the capital project developed.
These planning spreadsheets are designed to track the status of the Tribe's fundraising efforts, and show both committed funding and columns for potential funding sources.
Not all proposed capital projects will be listed in these sheets - rather - they will focus on those capital projects which the Tribe and/or City are actively managing and spearheading project development on.
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| | Pictures
 | Title: Robert Okitkun, Kotlik TC Planner
(Name: pic_0000157.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 11/03/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Boardwalk
(Name: pic_0000160.jpg)
Added by: Anthony, Caole
Date added: 11/04/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Map of Kotlik
(Name: pic_0000159.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 11/03/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Old High School
(Name: pic_0000161.jpg)
Added by: Anthony, Caole
Date added: 11/04/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Store
(Name: pic_0000162.jpg)
Added by: Anthony, Caole
Date added: 11/04/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Tribal Office
(Name: pic_0000163.jpg)
Added by: Anthony, Caole
Date added: 11/04/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Armory
(Name: pic_0000164.jpg)
Added by: Anthony, Caole
Date added: 11/04/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Tank Farm Training
(Name: pic_0000168.jpg)
Added by: Anthony, Caole
Date added: 11/13/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: KYC Board & GM
(Name: pic_0000295.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 05/30/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: KYC Office Bldg
(Name: pic_0000296.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 05/30/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik Tank Farm
(Name: pic_0000177.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 11/18/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik's First Store
(Name: pic_0000207.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 12/09/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Airport Maintenance Building
(Name: pic_0000203.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 12/09/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Hamilton Tribal Office
(Name: pic_0000293.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 05/26/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Catholik Church parsonage
(Name: pic_0000292.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 05/23/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Catholic Church
(Name: pic_0000291.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 05/23/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: City Generator
(Name: pic_0000183.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 11/19/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Water Treatment Plant Building
(Name: pic_0000233.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 02/09/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Community Hall, Southeast View
(Name: pic_0000186.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 11/19/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Old High School
(Name: pic_0000192.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 11/26/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Community Hall
(Name: pic_0000188.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 11/19/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik City Offices
(Name: pic_0000191.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 11/26/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Anthony Caole, Northern Management Manager
(Name: pic_0000193.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 11/26/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Lynn Church, NM @ KTC bdlg.
(Name: pic_0000194.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 11/26/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Community Holding Cell
(Name: pic_0000195.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 11/26/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: City Shop
(Name: pic_0000196.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 11/28/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: K-12 new school--front view
(Name: pic_0000231.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 02/09/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik Yupik Corporation Office
(Name: pic_0000199.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 12/07/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Tank Farm Dispenser
(Name: pic_0000200.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 12/07/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik Airport
(Name: pic_0000202.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 12/09/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik Riverbank
(Name: pic_0000205.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 12/09/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik Riverbank 2
(Name: pic_0000208.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 12/09/2005
Commands:
|  | Title: Training Needs
(Name: pic_0000340.jpg)
Added by: Anthony, Caole
Date added: 08/29/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik Clinic
(Name: pic_0000227.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 01/31/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik Headstart
(Name: pic_0000228.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 01/31/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik Headstart #2
(Name: pic_0000229.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 01/31/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Code Red Firestation Van
(Name: pic_0000230.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 02/09/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: K-12 new school--west view
(Name: pic_0000232.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 02/09/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik Yupik Corporation Board meeting
(Name: pic_0000246.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 03/22/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Aerial Photo of Kotlik 7-19-04
(Name: pic_0000265.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/11/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Winter Ice Skating 2006
(Name: pic_0000266.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/11/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Sunrise 12-28-05
(Name: pic_0000267.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/11/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Sunset 12-26-05
(Name: pic_0000268.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/11/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Ice Skating on the River
(Name: pic_0000269.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/11/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Teen Center
(Name: pic_0000288.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 05/23/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Yupik Instructor-Theresa
(Name: pic_0000271.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/13/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik-across river (island)
(Name: pic_0000272.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/13/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: City Generator Plant
(Name: pic_0000273.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/13/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: NAHASDA Homes 2004
(Name: pic_0000274.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/18/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: AC Store
(Name: pic_0000294.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 05/26/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Electrical poles
(Name: pic_0000276.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/18/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: United Utilities Building
(Name: pic_0000277.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/18/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: City Shop 2
(Name: pic_0000278.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/19/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik Post Office
(Name: pic_0000289.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 05/23/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Honey Bucket Haul Containers
(Name: pic_0000281.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/28/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: School Maint-Old High School-Principal's Quarters
(Name: pic_0000282.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 04/28/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Water Treatment Plant
(Name: pic_0000283.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 05/01/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Kotlik Ice Machine
(Name: pic_0000284.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 05/02/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Fish Conveyor
(Name: pic_0000285.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 05/02/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Della Hunt
(Name: pic_0000287.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 05/23/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Assembly of God Church
(Name: pic_0000290.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 05/23/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: USGS topo of Kotlik
(Name: pic_0000297.jpg)
Added by: Robert, Okitkun
Date added: 06/09/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Training Needs
(Name: pic_0000341.jpg)
Added by: Anthony, Caole
Date added: 08/29/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: Educational Level
(Name: pic_0000338.jpg)
Added by: Anthony, Caole
Date added: 08/29/2006
Commands:
|  | Title: College Level
(Name: pic_0000339.jpg)
Added by: Anthony, Caole
Date added: 08/29/2006
Commands:
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