Douglas, AK | Douglas Business Listings Source: Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development U.S. Census data is not available for Douglas.
Consequently, we have not developed a "complete"
Community Information Summary for this community. The information below
provides a brief overview of the community.
Community Overview
Douglas lies within the City & Borough of Juneau, on the northeast coast of Douglas Island. The Gastineau Channel is traversed by the Juneau-Douglas Bridge. Locally, the Douglas area refers to the southern end of the Island (population 2,000), although the entire population of the Island is 5,100.
The earliest recorded name was Edwardsville, perhaps for H.H. Edwards, a miner and resident. Douglas originated in 1881 to service mining activities, and became an incorporated city in 1902. Also founded in 1881, nearby Treadwell was established 1.2 miles southeast of Douglas. It was a company town, and incorporated as a city from 1901 through 1912. The Treadwell and Ready Bullion mines on Douglas Island became world-scale mines, operating from 1882 to 1917. In 1917, a cave-in and flood closed the Treadwell mine. It produced $66 million in gold in its 35 years of operation. The City of Douglas was unified with the City of Juneau in 1970.
As the state capital, Juneau is supported largely by State and Federal employment, and by tourists cruising the Inside Passage. It is the third largest community in Alaska. Douglas Indian Association represents the Tlingits that have historically occupied the area.
The State, City & Borough of Juneau, and federal agencies provide nearly 45% of the employment in the community. Juneau is home to State Legislators and their staff during the legislative session between January and May. Tourism is a significant contributor to the private sector economy during the summer months, providing a $130 million income and nearly 2,000 jobs. Over 560,000 visitors are expected to arrive during 1998 from 550 cruise ship dockings. The Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau Icefield air tours, Tracy Arm Fjord Glacier, and the new Mount Roberts Tram are local attractions. Support services for logging and fish processing contribute to the economy, and 60 Douglas residents hold a commercial fishing permit. The Kensington Gold Mine is currently undergoing the permitting and development process. The Kennecott Green's Creek Mine produces gold, silver, lead and zinc, and is the largest silver mine in North America.
The municipal water supply is obtained from the Last Chance Basin well field on Gold Creek and the Salmon Creek Reservoir, and is treated and piped to over 90% of Juneau households. Juneau's water demand is 5 million gallons per day. The Borough's piped sewage system serves almost 80% of residents, and receives secondary treatment. Sludge is incinerated. North Douglas Island residents use individual septic tanks, and funds have been provided to begin planning a sewer main extension to this area. Refuse collection, the landfill and incinerator are owned by a private firm, Arrow Refuse. Juneau has a hazardous waste collection facility, and local organizations also provide recycling programs. Electricity is generated at the Snetisham Hydroelectric Facility.
Juneau is accessible only by air and sea. Scheduled jet flights and air taxis are available at the Municipally-owned Juneau International Airport. The Airport includes a paved 8,456' runway, and a seaplane landing area. Marine facilities include a seaplane landing area at Juneau Harbor, two deep draft docks, five small boat harbors, a State ferry terminal. The Alaska Marine Highway System and cargo barges provide year-round services.