Whittier

Community Overview
Current Population:	161  (2008 DCCED Certified Population)
Pronunciation/Other Names:	(WIT-ee-er)
Incorporation Type:	2nd Class City
Borough Located In:	Unorganized
School District:	Chugach Schools
Regional Native Corporation:	Not Applicable
Location: Whittier is on the northeast shore of the Kenai Peninsula, at the head of Passage Canal. It is on the west side of Prince William Sound, 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. It lies at approximately 60.773060 North Latitude and -148.683890 West Longitude.  (Sec. 24, T008N, R004E, Seward Meridian.)   Whittier is located in the Anchorage Recording District.  The area encompasses 12.5 sq. miles of land and 7.2 sq. miles of water.  Winter temperatures range from 17 to 28 °F; summer temperatures average 49 to 63 °F. Average annual precipitation includes 197 inches of rain and 241 inches of snowfall. History: Passage Canal was once the quickest route from Prince William Sound to Cook Inlet. Chugach Indians would portage to Turnagain Arm in search of fish. Nearby Whittier Glacier was named for the American poet John Greenleaf Whittier and was first published in 1915 by the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey. A port and a railroad terminus were constructed by the U.S. Army for transport of fuel and other supplies into Alaska during World War II. The railroad spur and two tunnels were completed in 1943, and the Whittier Port became the entrance for troops and dependents of the Alaska Command. The huge buildings that dominate Whittier began construction in 1948. The 14-story Hodge Building (now Begich Towers) was built with 198 apartments for Army bachelor quarters and family housing. The Buckner Building, completed in 1953, had 1,000 apartments and was once the largest building in Alaska. It was called the "city under one roof," with a hospital, bowling alley, theater, gym, swimming pool, and shops for Army personnel. Whittier Manor was built in the early 1950s by private developers as rental units for civilian employees. The port remained an active army facility until 1960; at that time, the population was 1,200. Whittier Manor was converted to condominiums in 1964; Begich Towers now houses the majority of residents, as the Buckner Building is no longer occupied. The city was incorporated in 1969. Culture: Residents enjoy sport-fishing, commercial fishing, and subsistence activities. Economy: The city, school, local services, and summer tourism support Whittier. Tours, charters, and sport fishing in Prince William Sound attract seasonal visitors. Four residents hold commercial fishing permits. Facilities: Water is derived from wells and a reservoir. Water storage capacity is 1.2 million gallons. The entire community is served by a piped water and sewer system, and over 95% of homes are fully plumbed. Refuse is hauled out by a private contractor to Anchorage - the landfill has been closed. An oil and hazardous waste recycling center is available. Transportation: Whittier has an ice-free port and two city docks (70 ft cargo dock & 60 ft floating passenger dock). A small boat harbor has slips for 360 fishing, recreation, and charter vessels. It is served by road, rail, the state ferry, boat, and aircraft. A $70 million road connection was completed in the Summer of 2000. The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel was reconstructed to accommodate both rail and road vehicles. The railway carries passengers, vehicles, and cargo 12 miles from the Portage Station east of Girdwood. The state-owned 1,480' long by 58' wide gravel airstrip accommodates charter aircraft, and a city-owned seaplane dock is available for passenger transfer. Climate: Winter temperatures range from 17 to 28 °F; summer temperatures average 49 to 63 °F. Average annual precipitation includes 197 inches of rain and 241 inches of snowfall.