| |
Port Graham
For Photos of Port Graham click here
For a Map of Port Graham click here
| Current Population: |
136
(2008 Estimated Population (not Certified))
|
| Incorporation Type: |
Unincorporated |
| Borough Located In: |
Kenai Peninsula Borough |
| Taxes: |
Sales: 3% (Borough),
Property: 5.9 mills (Borough), Special: None
|
| National Flood Insurance Program Participant: |
Yes |
| Coastal Management District: |
Kenai Peninsula Borough |
|
| Location
and Climate |
|
The community is located at the southern end of the Kenai Peninsula on the shore of Port Graham. It is adjacent to Nanwalek, 7.5 miles southwest of Seldovia and 28 air miles from Homer. The community
lies at approximately 59.351390° North Latitude
and -151.829720° West Longitude.
(Sec. 32, T009S, R015W, Seward Meridian.)
Port Graham is located in the
Seldovia Recording District.
Winter temperatures range from 14 to 27; summer temperatures vary from 45 to 65. Average annual precipitation is 24 inches. |
Topographic
map of
Port Graham
area
 |
| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| The earliest known settlers were Russians from the nearby trading post at Nanwalek. In 1850, the Russian-American Co. established a coal mine at Port Graham, but it was not economical and lasted only a few years. Port Graham became the site of a cannery and wharf, according to the U.S. Geological Survey in 1909. In 1911, the Fidalgo Island Packing Co. established a cannery, and Aleuts from Nanwalek moved to the community. A post office operated between 1938 and 1961. The cannery burned in 1960. It was rebuilt in 1968 by Whitney/Fidalgo, and was sold to the village corporation in 1983. A pink salmon hatchery began operations in 1991. In January 1998, the hatchery and salmon processing plant were destroyed by fire. The hatchery and processing plant were rebuilt and re-opened in June 1999. The cannery continues to be the main economic activity in the community, employing residents of Nanwalek as well.
A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Port Graham.
The population of the community consists of 88.3%
Alaska Native or part Native.
Port Graham is a traditional Alutiiq village with a fishing and subsistence lifestyle.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 82, and vacant housing units numbered 12.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 6.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 59 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
22.37 percent,
although
54.26 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $40,250, per capita income was $13,666, and
18.8 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
|
| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Water is derived from a surface source, is treated and stored in a 50,000-gal. redwood tank. Port Graham has a piped water system, sewage disposal in a community septic tank and a sludge lagoon. 66 homes and facilities are served by the system; almost 90% of households are fully plumbed. Port Graham Corporation operates the washeteria.
Electricity is provided by Homer Electric Association.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 20
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Port Graham Clinic (907-284-2241).
Specialized Care: South Kachemak Alcohol Program (operated by village council). Port Graham is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 2F in the Prince William Sound Region. Emergency Services have coastal and air access. Emergency service is provided by volunteers and a health aide
Auxiliary health care is provided by Port Graham EMS/Ambulance (907-284-2245/2262).
|
| Economy
and Transportation |
A new $4.5 million fish cannery and hatchery opened on June 19, 1999. The cannery provides seasonal employment for 70 Port Graham and Nanwalek residents. Red salmon fry are raised for area lakes, and pink salmon are raised for the cannery. 12 residents hold commercial fishing permits.
Port Graham is not accessible by road. A State-owned 1,975' long by 45' wide dirt/gravel airstrip is available. The community offers docking facilities. There is a 4-mile trail to Nanwalek. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Village Corporation -
Port Graham Corporation
P.O. Box 5569
Port Graham, AK 99603-5569
Phone 907-284-2212
Fax 907-284-2219
Village Council -
Native Village of Port Graham
P.O. Box 5510
Port Graham, AK 99603-5510
Phone 907-284-2227
Fax 907-284-2222
E-mail pnorman@starband.net
Regional
Organizations
Borough - Kenai Peninsula Borough
144 North Binkley Street
Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone 907-262-4441
Fax 907-714-2377
E-mail assemblyclerk@borough.kenai.ak.us
Web http://www.borough.kenai.ak.us
Regional Native Corporation - Chugach Alaska Corporation
3800 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 601
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone 907-563-8866
Fax 907-563-8402
E-mail bwelty@chugach-ak.com
Web http://www.chugach-ak.com
Regional Native Health Corporation - Chugachmiut
1840 Bragaw Street, Suite 110
Anchorage, AK 99508-3463
Phone 907-562-4155
Fax 907-563-2891
E-mail info@chugachmiut.org
Web http://www.chugachmiut.org
|
 |
|
