3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

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Knik Arm Crossing DraftFinal EIS Affected Environment Point MacKenzie residents with incomes below the poverty level decreased from 34.1 percent in 1989 to 22.7 percent in 1999, but the percentage in 1999 was still twice that of the entire Mat-Su. Community surveys indicate that a major attraction for residents of the Mat-Su is the ability to experience the qualities of rural Alaska within easy driving distance of Anchorage. Preservation of the rural nature of communities and the associated lifestyle is a high priority, especially in low-density, small communities such as Houston, Meadow Lakes, and Big Lake. Community surveys, however, indicate that residents of the more densely populated Palmer-Wasilla Core Area also continue to place a high priority on maintaining low-density residential subdivisions interspersed with undeveloped lands. Accompanying this desire to retain uncluttered landscapes and a rural character is a perceived need by some residents to place limitations on land development and population growth. One aspect of development that especially concerns Mat-Su residents is traffic congestion. 3.2.1.1.2 Knik Tribal Council and Native Village of Eklutna Members of the Knik Tribal Council and the Native Village of Eklutna Tribes reside in Knik, Eklutna, Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, and elsewhere. Knik Tribal Council The Knik Tribal Council is a federally recognized tribe and its members are located on the northwest bank of Knik Arm northwest of Anchorage in the Mat-Su. By road, the Knik Tribal Council is located south of Wasilla, Big Lake, and Meadow Lakes, off of Knik-Goose Bay Road and Fairview Loop Road (Figure 3.1), a distance of 37 miles. Knik has long been home to Tanaina Athabascans; 8.7 percent of the population is Alaska Native or part Native. This community is relatively large—over 2,600 homes—and supports a diverse population. The 2000 U.S. Census identified 2,593 total housing units. Of the 218 vacant housing units, 61 are used only seasonally. Although 2,789 residents were employed, the unemployment rate at that time was 13.45 percent (44.38 percent of all adults were not in the work force). The median household income was $52,113, per capita income was $20,895, and 11.1 percent of residents were living below the poverty level (Alaska Division of Community Advocacy 2006). The low housing costs, the semirural lifestyle, and a tolerable commute to Anchorage have supported growth in the Mat-Su Valley. Native Village of Eklutna The Native Village of Eklutna is a federally recognized tribe located at the head of Knik Arm of Cook Inlet, at the mouth of the Eklutna River, 25 miles northeast of Anchorage (Figure 3.1). It is within the boundaries of Anchorage. The Eklutna area was the site of many Athabascan Indian villages as long as 800 years ago. Today’s residents are descendants of the Dena’ina tribe and continue to value their traditional lifestyle. Approximately 65 residents are members of the Eklutna Village. The Native Village of Eklutna will strengthen its Tribal Nation by exercising its inherent powers to protect the past, present, and future of the Tribal membership. Page 3-28 12/18/07
Knik Arm Crossing DraftFinal EIS Affected Environment The majority of non-Native residents are employed in Anchorage, with incomes averaging $31,679 per capita, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. Eklutna’s Dena’ina residents, however, have significantly lower incomes—averaging $19,494 per capita (Alaska Division of Community Advocacy 2006). 3.2.1.1.3 Government Hill Established in 1915, Government Hill is the oldest of Anchorage’s 37 designated neighborhoods. As can be seen in Figure 3.8, it is a well-defined neighborhood because of its geographical isolation from most of Anchorage by Ship Creek. It is bounded by Elmendorf, a bluff overlooking the POA fuel tank farm along the Knik Arm shoreline, and the Alaska Railroad rail yard. The small commercial district in the vicinity of the Sourdough Visitors Lodge, a motel used for daily and short-term housing, is characterized by small, locally owned shops and eateries. The only gas station and convenience store in the neighborhood are also located in this commercial district. The locations of the hotel and other buildings in Government Hill are shown in Figure 3.8. Most residences and community facilities (parks, schools, houses of worship, neighborhood-serving businesses, etc.) are accessible by an easy walk, bicycle ride, or short drive. None of the students attending Government Hill Elementary School ride a school bus; all students either walk or arrange alternative transportation. 12/18/07 Page 3-29
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3.0 Affected Environment - Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority

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