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Ketchikan Gateway Borough
The geography of this borough changed May 31, 2008 when it annexed some of the area from the Prince of Wales-Outer Ketchikan Census Area. Communities located within the Borough include Ketchikan and Saxman and are outlined on the next pages. The borough is a regional hub of commercial trade, medical services, and government for the area. Tourism has grown in importance, with large numbers of visitors arriving via tour ships over the summer season.
Ketchikan is the first Alaska port of call for northbound cruise ships, commercial vessels and state ferries; Ketchikan is 680 air miles north of Seattle.
Location & Climate
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough is located near the southernmost boundary of Alaska, in the Southeast Panhandle. It is comprised of the Cities of Ketchikan and Saxman. It lies at approximately 55.333330 North Latitude and -131.633330 West Longitude. Ketchikan Gateway Borough is located in the Ketchikan Recording District. The area encompasses 4,898.9 sq. miles of land and 1,981.3 sq. miles of water. The area lies in the maritime climate zone noted for its warm winters, cool summers, and heavy precipitation. Average summer temperatures range from 46 to 59 °F; winter temperatures range from 29 to 48 °F. *State of AK, DOT AMHS.
2010 Population
13,477 (US Census)
Government
2nd Class Borough originally incorporated in 1968. The Borough currently employs 12 lead staff and many support positions. Regular elections are held the 1st Tuesday of October. Borough Assembly meets every 1st & 3rd Mondays. The current borough sales tax is 2.5%. www.kgbak.us
Schools
Within the Ketchikan Gateway School District, there are a total of 10 schools; five elementary school with three offering pre-school classes, one middle school 7-8, one Jr./Sr. high school 7-12, and one high school 7-12. There is also a correspondence school and grades 5-12 offered through the Ketchikan Regional Youth Facility. Enrollment for the district for the 2010-11 school year was 2,257. Student-teacher ratio: 13.7:1. University of Alaska Southeast, Ketchikan Campus.
Community Buildings
Mike Smithers Community Pool, Gateway Recreation Center
Project list:
City of Ketchikan*
City of Saxman*
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