| |
Slana
(SLAN-uh)
| Current Population: |
107
(2008 Estimated Population (not Certified))
|
| Incorporation Type: |
Unincorporated |
| Borough Located In: |
Unorganized |
| Taxes: |
No taxing authority
|
|
| Location
and Climate |
|
Slana stretches along the Nabesna Road, which runs south of the Tok Cutoff at mile 63. It lies at the junction of the Slana and Copper Rivers, 53 miles southwest of Tok. The community
lies at approximately 62.706940° North Latitude
and -143.961110° West Longitude.
(Sec. 29, T011N, R008E, Copper River Meridian.)
Slana is located in the
Chitina Recording District.
Slana experiences a continental climate, with long, cold winters, and relatively warm summers. Temperature extremes range from -62 to 91. Snowfall averages 61 inches, with total precipitation of 13 inches per year. |
Topographic
map of
Slana
area
 |
| History, Culture
and Demographics |
| Slana is an Indian village name, derived from the river's name. The Nabesna Mine opened in 1923, which employed 60 people at its height. Over thirty different minerals were extracted from this site, although gold was the primary source of profit. It operated sporadically through the late 1940s. Slana developed rapidly in the 1980s when homesteads were offered for settlement by the federal government.
The population of the community consists of 15.3%
Alaska Native or part Native.
The community is comprised primarily of homesteaders. The last location of BLM's homesite program, individuals received 5 acres of free land in Slana. However, the lack of road access to these properties has created conflicts between land owners.
During the 2000 U.S. Census,
total housing units numbered 193, and vacant housing units numbered 131.
Vacant housing units used
only seasonally numbered 20.
U.S. Census data for Year
2000 showed 26 residents
as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
46.94 percent,
although
73.74 percent of
all adults were not in the work force. The median household
income was $19,583, per capita income was $20,019, and
23.48 percent of residents
were living below the poverty level.
|
| Facilities,
Utilities, Schools and Health Care |
| Individual wells are the primary source of water in Slana; others draw water from Rufus Creek. The schools operate individual wells. Outhouses, honeybuckets and septic systems are used for sewage disposal. Approximately one third of the homes have complete plumbing. The landfill was closed in 1990. There is no central electric system.
Electricity is provided by Alaska Power Company.
There is one school located in the community,
attended by 19
students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Tok Community Clinic (883-5855) in Tok or Gulkana Clinic (822-3646).
A clinic is under construction. Slana is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 2E in the Copper River Region. Emergency Services have highway, air and river access. Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service and volunteers
Auxiliary health care is provided by Copper River EMS (822-3671); Chistochina/Slana First Responders (822-3671); Tok Clinic or Gulkana Clinic.
|
| Economy
and Transportation |
A roadside lodge provides groceries, gas, liquor, an auto mechanic and RV parking. Other local businesses include a general store, art gallery, canoe rental, bed & breakfast, snowmachine sales and solar panel sales. A Park Ranger Station and state highway maintenance camp are located nearby. Subsistence activities supplement income.
Slana has road access to the statewide system by the Glenn and Richardson Highways. Individual adjacent lots have no roads and owners must hike through other's private property. The nearest public airstrip is south, at Chistochina. A 900' gravel private airstrip has been constructed at Duffy's Tavern. |
Organizations
with Local Offices
Community Non-Profit -
Slana League
S.R. Box 867
Slana, AK 99586
Phone 907-822-3426
Fax 907-822-5009
Community Non-Profit -
Slana Community Corporation
P.O. Box 861
Slana, AK 99586
Phone 907-822-5757
Fax 907-822-3543
Regional
Organizations
|
 |
|
