Current Population: 2,124 (certified December, 2000, by DCED) Incorporation Type: 1st Class City Borough Located In: Unorganized Taxes: Sales: 5%, Property: 6.0 mills, Special: 6% Liquor Tax Location and Climate
Craig is located on a small island off the west coast of Prince of Wales Island, and is connected by a short causeway. It is 31 road miles west of Hollis. It lies 56 air miles northwest of Ketchikan, 750 air miles north of Seattle, and 220 miles south of Juneau. It lies at approximately 55d 28m N Latitude, 133d 09m W Longitude (Sec. 06, T074S, R081E, Copper River Meridian). Craig is located in the Ketchikan Recording District. The area encompasses 5.9 sq. miles of land and 2.6 sq. miles of water. Prince of Wales Island is dominated by a cool, moist, maritime climate. Summer temperatures range from 49 to 63; winter temperatures range from 32 to 42. Average annual precipitation is 120 inches, including 40 inches of snow. Gale winds are common in the fall and winter months. History, Culture and Demographics
The Tlingit and Haida peoples have historically utilized the area around Craig for its rich resources. With the help of local Haidas, a fish saltery was built on nearby Fish Egg Island in 1907 by Craig Miller. Between 1908 and 1911, he constructed the Lyndenburger Packing Company and cold storage plant at the present site of Craig. In 1912, a post office, a school, a sawmill, and a salmon cannery were constructed. The cannery and sawmill peaked during World War I. A city government was formed in 1922. Excellent pink salmon runs contributed to development and growth through the late 1930s -- some families from the Dust Bowl relocated to Craig during this time. During the 1950s, the fishing industry collapsed due to depleted salmon runs. In 1972, Ed Head built a large sawmill six miles from Craig near Klawock, which provided year-round jobs and helped to stabilize the economy. Head Mill was sold in the early 1990s to Viking Lumber.
Alaska Natives represent 22.9% of the population. A federally recognized tribe is located in the community. Craig is predominantly a fishing community.
During the April 1990 U.S. Census, there were 504 total housing units, and 60 of these were vacant. The official unemployment rate at that time was 8.4%, with 633 jobs estimated to be in the community and 25.9% of all adults not in the work force. The median household income was $47,250, and 3.9% of residents were living below the poverty level.
Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
All households are fully plumbed. Water is supplied by a dam on North Fork Lake, then is treated, stored in a tank, and piped to homes. The existing 300,000-gallon wood storage tank is dilapidated, and a new water tank is needed. Sewage is collected by a piped gravity system, and receives primary treatment before discharge into Bucareli Bay. Refuse is collected and deposited in Klawock's landfill. The City also participates in annual hazardous waste collection events. A local priority is to develop a new regional landfill. Alaska Power & Telephone Co., based in Skagway, owns and operates diesel power systems in Hydaburg and Craig and a hydroelectric facility at Black Bear Lake, which provides electricity to many Island communities.
Electricity is provided by Alaska Power Company.
There are 3 schools located in the community, attended by 537 students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Seaview Medical Center. The clinic is a qualified Emergency Care Center. Auxiliary health care is provided by Craig EMS (826-2367/3330) or Prince of Wales Island Area EMS (826-2367); flight to Ketchikan or Sitka.
Economy and Transportation
The economy in Craig is based on the fishing industry, logging and sawmill operations. Columbia Ward Fisheries, a fish buying station, and a major cold storage plant are located in Craig. 198 residents hold commercial fishing permits. Growth has been due in part to the increased role of Craig as a service and transportation center for the Prince of Wales Island communities. Shan-Seet Village Corporation timber operations, fishing, fish processing, government and commercial services provide most employment. Deer, salmon, halibut, shrimp and crab are harvested for recreational or subsistence purposes.
Scheduled air transportation to Ketchikan is available from the nearby Klawock airport. A State-owned seaplane base at Klawock Inlet and a U.S. Coast Guard heliport are maintained in Craig. The State ferry serves Hollis 30 miles away and enables transportation of passengers, cargo and vehicles to the Island. There are two small boat harbors, at North Cove and South Cove, a small transient float and dock in the downtown area, and a boat launch ramp at North Cove. The J.T. Brown Marine Industrial Center is under development on False Island, on the north side of Crab Bay. The facility will include a dock and boat launch. Freight arrives by cargo plane, barge and ferry in Hollis. A paved road exists between Hollis, Craig, Klawock, and north to the airport. Three miles of pavement were completed on the north-bound road in 1997, and further paving is scheduled.