Hoonah*

Hoonah is the largest Tlingit village in Alaska. The Glacier Bay area has always been the traditional territory of the Huna Tlingits. The once glacial outwash richly supported the Huna people with fish rich streams lined with grassy meadows and wild game. The re-advancing glacier forced the Huna people to retreat across Icy Straight. For many generations the Huna people had additional winter villages in the Glacier Bay area, but the village of Hoonah has been from earliest recorded history the Huna’s primary permanent settlement.
Today commercial fishing and logging support the population and most residents still maintain a subsistence lifestyle. Tourism is increasingly becoming the strength of Hoonah’s economy during the summer months. In 2003 the long-retired salmon cannery was converted into cruise ship destination; Icy Straight Point. This unique Native owned attraction features the world’s largest and highest zip line spanning 5,400 feet.

Location & Climate

Hoonah is located on the northeast shore of Chichagof Island, 40 air miles west of Juneau. The community lies at approximately 58.110000° North Latitude and -135.443610° West Longitude. The area encompasses 6.6 sq. miles of land and 2.1 sq. miles of water. Hoonah’s maritime climate is characterized by cool summers and mild winters. The airport is closed 20 to 30 days a year due to poor weather, usually during foggy periods in the spring and fall. Summer temperatures average 52 to 63 °F; winter temperatures average 26 to 39 °F. Temperature extremes have been recorded from -25 to 87 °F. Precipitation averages 100 inches annually, with 71 inches of snowfall. *State of AK, DOT AMHS.

The primary goal for the community is

To create a living environment of the highest possible quality based on planning for population growth potentials and consistent with the environmental, economic, social and physical goals and characteristics applicable to the City of Hoonah and its planning area.

2010 Population

760 (2010 US Census)

Government

1st Class City incorporated in 1946. Currently the City employs nine staff members, two of which work in economic development. Regular elections are held the 1st Tuesday in October. The City Council meets the second Tuesday of every month. The current city sales tax is 6%.

Electric Utility

Inside Passage Electric Cooperative. Kilowatt capacity: 3,055. In November of 2010 the small commercial rate for 1,500kWh/month was $0.5680 and $0.5090 for above 500 kWh with a monthly fee of $15.00. (JEDC Asset Mapping Report)
With the costs of the proposed Juneau to Hoonah intertie escalating to an estimated $40 million, Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) commissioned a conceptual study of the hydroelectric resources in the immediate area of Hoonah along with an analysis of the power plant needs that should be addressed concurrently. The findings are as follows:
  1. $4,061,317 Power Plant Replacement (2,600kW @ $1,562/kW)
  2. $4,558,500 Gartina Creek Hydroelectric Project (600kW)
  3. $3,946,500 Water Supply Creek Hydroelectric Project (600kW)
  4. $4,393,500 Elephant Falls Hydroelectric Project (600kW)
The development of any one of the three proposed hydro facilities would offset approx. 30% of Hoonah’s projected annual demand. This would result in a savings of approx. 129,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year (saving approx. $380,000 using an est. fuel cost of $3.00/gallon). The development of any two of the three proposed hydroelectric facilities would offset about 50% of Hoonah’s annual demand, with an approx. savings of $640K. No formal funding request has yet been made.  These projects will benefit the community significantly but will not meet all of Hoonah’s energy needs. The Juneau to Hoonah Intertie Project is construction-ready and is still a long-term objective as part of the regional electrical grid network. The capital needs for the above projects are $16,959,817.

Water & Sewer Utilities

Water is derived from Gartina Creek, treated and piped to all homes and facilities. Piped sewage is processed in a sewage treatment plant. 98% of all homes are fully plumbed.

Solid Waste

City-operated refuse collection and landfill operations.

Transportation Facilities

State-owned and operated 2,997ft asphalt runway, seaplane base, and ferry terminal and harbor/dock area.
  1. The harbor features approximately 230 berths/24’-48’. Amenities include; fresh water, showers, laundry, pressure washer rental, fish cleaning tables, dumpsters, oil disposal, and life jackets to borrow. Haul out facilities include; tidal grid, boat launch ramp, dockside hoist, and 35-ton hydraulic trailer. The outer harbor to the Hoonah City Dock has a large drive-down ramp used for loading and unloading vessels. Other services offered are freight and crab pot storage, deep draft moorage, boat diver, boat repair, hydraulic repair, fishing gear, dry storage, and boat storage.
  2. A 220 ton travel lift has been added to the Marine Industrial Center, which is transitioning into Phase 3 of the City’s renovations project.

Transportation Services

Accessible by small plane, seaplane, and the State operated Alaska Marine Highway System. There are two small aircraft companies that provide service to the community. Hoonah has one taxi operator

Schools

Hoonah City Schools District; Hoonah Elementary K-6 & Hoonah Jr/Sr High School 7-12. 2010-11 Student-teacher ratio: 12.1:1. Enrollment for the 2009-10 school year was 107

Health Care

Hoonah Medical Clinic operated by SEARHC and staffed with a Nurse Practitioner. The clinic is a qualified Emergency Care Center. Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service, volunteers and a health aide.

Federally Recognized Tribe

Hoonah Indian Association (Bureau Of Indian Affairs-Recognized Indian Reorganization Act Council).

Village Corporation

Huna Totem Corporation

Other Community Buildings

ANB/ANS Hall, Mary & William Johnson Hoonah Youth Center, Senior Center & TH Community Building, Heritage Center Museum, Icy Strait Packing C. Museum, and Public Library.

Community Economic Development Projects

Priority Projects
  1. Phase 3 Marine Industrial Center
  2. Raw Water Transmission Line Replacement
  3. Multi-service Building feasibility study and design
  4. Park Project
  5. Expansion and upgrade of Harbor