Talkeetna, AK | Talkeetna Business Listings Source: Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development
Current Population: 363 (1999 Alaska Dept. of Labor Estimate) Incorporation Type: Unincorporated Borough Located In: Matanuska-Susitna Borough Taxes: Sales: None, Property: 11.94 mills (Borough), Special: 5% Accommodations Tax (Borough) Location and Climate
Located at the junction of the Talkeetna and Susitna Rivers, it lies 120 miles north of Anchorage at mile 226.7 of the Alaska Railroad. The paved Talkeetna Spur Road runs 14 miles east off of the George Parks Highway. It lies at approximately 62d 19m N Latitude, 150d 06m W Longitude (Sec. 24, T026N, R005W, Seward Meridian). Talkeetna is located in the Talkeetna Recording District. The area encompasses 2.7 sq. miles of land and .3 sq. miles of water. January temperatures average 4 to 23; July can vary from 47 to 68. History, Culture and Demographics
The Talkeetna and Chulitna Rivers join the Susitna River at Talkeetna, an Indian word meaning "where the rivers join." Originally the site of a Tanaina Indian village, Talkeetna was established as a mining town and trading post in 1896, before either Wasilla or Anchorage existed. A gold rush to the Susitna River brought prospectors to the area, and by 1910, Talkeetna became a riverboat steamer station. In 1915, Talkeetna was chosen as the site for the Alaska Engineering Commission, who would build the Alaska Railroad, and the community peaked near 1,000. World War I and completion of the railroad in 1919 dramatically decreased the population. Several of its old log buildings are historical landmarks, and Talkeetna was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in April 1993. During 1998, the community petitioned the Local Boundary Commission for incorporation as a home rule city.
Alaska Natives represent 1.6% of the population. Talkeetna is popular for its recreational fishing, hunting, boating, flightseeing, skiing and dog mushing. Local businesses provides services to Mount McKinley climbers.
During the April 1990 U.S. Census, there were 168 total housing units, and 54 of these were vacant. The official unemployment rate at that time was 10.1%, with 133 jobs estimated to be in the community and 26.1% of all adults not in the work force. The median household income was $11,991, and 34.3% of residents were living below the poverty level.
Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
The majority of residents have individual wells, septic tanks, and complete plumbing. A piped water and sewer system is maintained by the Talkeetna Water & Wastewater Utility. The high school operates its own water system. Over 30% of homes are used only seasonally.
Electricity is provided by Matanuska Electric Association.
There are 2 schools located in the community, attended by 312 students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Sunshine Community Health Center (733-2273). The clinic is a qualified Emergency Care Center Auxiliary health care is provided by Talkeetna Ambulance Service (376-8800/745-4811); Valley Hospital in Palmer.
Economy and Transportation
As the take-off point for fishing and flightseeing trips, and a staging area for Mount McKinley climbing expeditions, Talkeetna provides air taxis, helicopters, outfitters, and related services. Numerous air taxis provide transport to Kahiltna Glacier Base Camp. All climbers must register for climbs of Mount McKinley and Mount Foraker (Talkeetna Ranger Station phone is 907-733-2231.) 12 residents hold commercial fishing permits.
Talkeetna is accessible by the Talkeetna Spur Road, off of the George Parks Highway. It has a State-owned 3,500' runway which was repaved during 1997. There are three additional airstrips in the vicinity, including one owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. A new Alaska Railroad depot was completed in August 1997.