Electrical Power for Valdez and the Copper River Basin-1981

Transportation and Tourism:Detailed information concerning tne work force of the Copper Valley isnot obtainable. But it is known that the non-Native population isengaged primarily in transportation and tourism. Tne scenic beauty ofthe area coupled witn hunting, fishing, and boating opportunities makethis region a favorite for recreation. These activities generate jobs ingas stations, stores, bars, lodges, local trucking firms, wholesale oildistribution, and finance. Should the city of Valdez develop asanticipated, the demand for these services will undoubtedly be enhanced.This is particularly true in the case of transportation.Minjng ~~d_ResourceExtraction:As mentioned, the study area is highly mineralized and hashistorically been the center of extensive mining activity. Currentlythere are no significant local mining operations. Early in 1980 reportsby State geoloqists sparked interest in the region about 60 miles west ofGlennallen. These findings triggered a flurry of gold mining claims.Although that region has yet to yield any significant finds, this episodeis highly illustrative. The Copper River Basin is always a primarycandidate for mineral extraction and interest in the basin rises andrecedes witn the price of gold, silver, and copper.The Glennallen vicinity has recently been subject to oil and gasexp I or at ion. The AI'~OCO Company in conj unct i on witn AHTNA Inc. has beenconducting test drills since 1979. As yet, no commercial quantities ofoil or gas have been aiscovered. A commercial strike would beparticularly advantageous given Glennallen's proximity to theTrans-Alaska Pipeline.Native Corporations:The Native population participates less extensively in the area's casheconomy but does enjoy employment opportunities created by three Nativecorporations. Tnese are AHTNA Inc., tne Copper River Native Association,and the Copper Valley-Tanana Development Corporation. Many villagers(including non-Natives) still rely on hunting, trapping, and fishing tosupplement their cash incomes.Population:The hignly volatile nature of economic development in this area isreflected by its population. Unfortunately, population data for therlurllerous unincorporated villages of the area is limited. Satisfactorydata is expected to be available in the 1980 census. However, Table 4depicts the populations of Glennallen, Copper Center, and the total forthe service region for which information is available. Copper ValleyElectric Association, the area's electrical utility, estimates apopulation of 2,500 within the Glennallen service area (March 1979).17