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Skagway Municipality

Skagway was originally known by the Tlingits as Skagua, meaning "windy place"; it was used by the Chilkoots and Chilkats for hunting and fishing. In 1896, gold was discovered 600 miles away in the Yukon; Skagway acted as the starting-off point for prospectors. In 1897 a post office, a church, and a newspaper were founded in Skagway, and its population rose to 10,000. In 1900, Skagway became the first incorporated city in Alaska, beating Juneau by a day. The Bank of Alaska opened in Skagway in 1916. The first tourism boom began in the mid-1920s. During WWII, Skagway stationed as many as 3,000 troops, who worked to construct the Alcan Highway. There was a major flood of the Skagway River in 1967 that breached area dikes. The Klondike Highway to Dawson City opened in 1979. In 1994, the city dock collapsed and sent a tidal wave across the bay; the dock was rebuilt within the year.

The tourist industry flourishes in Skagway, as a port of call for cruise ships and a transfer site for rail and interior bus tours. Approximately one-million cruise ship passengers visit Skagway each year, in addition to RV traffic and numerous state ferry travelers. The Klondike Gold Rush Historical Park and White Pass and Yukon Railroad are major attractions. An Economic Impact Study conducted by the City of Skagway in 1999 found that 51% of the owners of visitor-related businesses are not year-round residents. Trans-shipment of lead/zinc ore, fuel, and freight occurs via the Port and Klondike Highway to and from Canada. In 2009, five residents held commercial fishing permits. Skagway is working on diversifying its economy.

Location & Climate

Skagway is located 90 miles northeast of Juneau at the northernmost end of Lynn Canal, at the head of Taiya Inlet. It lies 108 road miles south of Whitehorse and is just west of the Canadian border with British Columbia. It lies at approximately 59.458330 North Latitude and -135.313890 West Longitude. (Sec. 11, T028S, R059E, Copper River Meridian.) Skagway is located in the Skagway Recording District. The area encompasses 452.4 sq. miles of land and 11.9 sq. miles of water. Skagway experiences a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 45 to 67 °F; winter temperatures average 18 to 37 °F. Within the shadow of the mountains, Skagway receives less rain than is typical of Southeast Alaska, averaging 26 inches of precipitation per year and 39 inches of snow. *State of AK, DOT AMHS.

2010 Population

968 (US Census)

Government

1^st Class Borough originally incorporated in 1900, but didn’t become a municipality until 2007. The Municipality currently employs 14 lead staff and many support positions. Regular elections are held every 1^st Tuesday in October. Municipal Assembly meets the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays. The current municipal sales tax is 3% from Oct. - Mar.; 5% Apr. - Sept.

Electric Utility

Alaska Power Company (Private). Power source: diesel & hydro. Kilowatt capacity: 4,840. In November of 2010 the small commercial rate for 1,500kWh/month was $0.1355 with a monthly fee of $12.93. (JEDC Asset Mapping Report)

Water & Sewer Utilities

Water is derived from three wells near 15th and Alaska Streets, is stored in a tank and piped throughout Skagway. Piped sewage receives primary treatment with an ocean outfall. Demands of the system nearly double each summer, with the influx of tourism business operators. Almost all homes are fully plumbed. Some houses use individual wells and septic systems.

Solid Waste

The landfill is closed; however, the City operates an incinerator, baler, and ash fill facility. The community participates in recycling and annual hazardous waste disposal events.

Transportation Facilities

The Klondike Highway and Alaska Highway provide a connection through British Columbia and the Yukon Territory, Canada, to the lower 48 States or north to Interior Alaska. The State owns the 3,550' x 75' paved runway and a seaplane base at the boat harbor. A breakwater, ferry terminal, cruise ship dock, small boat harbor, boat launch, and boat haul-out are available. The White Pass and Yukon Route Company owns two deep draft docks for cargo loading and storage. Private rail connection to Yukon Territory and British Columbia, Canada.

Transportation Services

Accessible by small aircraft, road, State-owned Alaska Marine Highway System, and private seasonal rail tours to Lake Bennett, and Carcross, Canada.

Schools

Skagway City School is located in the Skagway City Schools District K-12. Enrollment for the 2010-11 school year was 105. Student-teacher ratio: 7.4:1.

Health Care

Dahl Memorial Clinic operated by Bartlett Memorial Regional Hospital. Skagway Volunteer Fire Dept/EMS. The clinic is a qualified Emergency Care Center; Itinerant care from Juneau's Bartlett Regional Hospital. Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service and volunteers.