PREFACE

The study of the need, and of the economic feasibility, of a public

service facility is a never ending research.

It must be remembered that at times a facility is more than a luxury,

or a convenience. In small communities it is a needful tool. In such cases

more reliance is placed on special circumstances, than on formalized economic

measures.

Therefore, at St. Michael, as everywhere in Alaska, a greater variety of local facts assume importance than would be the case if only the overall economic yardsticks were applicable. Yet, we cannot allow emotions to completely overcome economic realities.

The purpose of this report is an attempt to bring into proper relationship these special circumstances with the economics involved so that they may be seen and weighed as a whole.

SHOULD A DOCKING FACILITY BE BUILT AT ST. MICHAEL, ALASKA?

While the above will suffice for the general interpretation of the problem, the question in more specific terms presents itself as

Will the construction of a docking facility at St. Michael either aid in the economic development or, at the very least, provide better and/or less expensive service to any or all of the following geographic

locales.

1. The Lower Yukon area from St. Michael to Marshall.

2. The Norton Sound area other than St. Michael, but including

Unalakleet and Stebbins.

3. The village of St. Michael, specifically.