I. INTRODUCTION

During the past two years, the Division of Water and Harbors has recognized the growing need for services to the communities along the Bristol Bay, Norton Sound, and Bering Sea areas, similar to those services being furnished to Southeastern communities which have an established fishing industry and a burgeoning pleasure boat activity. The City of Kotzebue is a fully water oriented community, and this study is one of several the Division has in progress in Westward Alaska to determine needs in the area, and the means to supply those needs.

There are about 300 small boats at Kotzebue upon which the residents depend for their chief mode of transportation, other than walking, and for subsistence fishing and hunting. Approximately 85 boats fished commercially in 1972 for the Kotzebue Sound Area Fishery Co-op. This number is expected

to increase in 1973.

With such a number of boats at one location, especially one open

to a considerable reach of wind and wave, the question logically arose as

to whether the immediate needs of the community could be alleviated by the development of a small boat harbor.

It was possible to define the problem facing the study into the categories of convenience, useability of the facility if built, safety to small boats afforded by such a facility, and economic feasibility. It was clearly evident from the beginning that a suitable facility, where none now exists,

would assist in maintaining the safety of the small boats from damage by

the sudden violent storms that occur in the vicinity.

The aspects of convenience, immediate usefulness, and coordination with the City's Comprehensive Plan required closer scrutiny, as did economic feasibility. This has been done, and our recommendations are based on a joint analysis of all of these factors.

An outgrowth to the original assignment developed over the community's concern regarding the erosion of the seaward side of Shore Avenue which fronts on Kotzebue Sound, and over the apparent need for a suitable fish off-loading facility at the local cooperative receiving and processing plant. We found the Co-op venture to be an economically viable one, needing and deserving this type of assistance.

These associated needs are also discussed within the Report, and solutions in preliminary concept are indicated. This was done so that the Report might be comprehensive as to the medium range waterfront planning

at Kotzebue.

II. HISTORY

A. LOCATION

The City of Kotzebue is 26 miles above the Arctic Circle on Kotzebue Spit, located on the NW shore of Baldwin Penninsula, which is itself surrounded by the waters of Kotzebue Sound and Hotham Inlet. The City, on the outer South side of Hotham Inlet, faces northwest toward Kotzebue Sound. Coordinates of the airport are given as 66°52' N and 162°38'W. Ground 1

elevation is 10 feet.

B. ORIGINS

Kotzebue Spit has been a settlement site for centuries. It was first mentioned as Kikikhata gyut (with variations) in 1847 by Lieutenant Zagoshin, and was later also referred to as Kikitaruk Mission. The United States

Census of 1880 lists the village of Kikikta gamute with a population of 200. Kotzebue was permanently established as a Reindeer station in 1897.

In 1899 a U. S. Post Office was established and named Kotzebue, from 2 Kotzebue Sound discovered by Lieutenant Otto von Kotzebue in the year 1816. In the year 1952 a Native Townsite was finally established, and the Bureau of Land Management prepared a Townsite Survey and Plat. This act 3 enabled Kotzebue residents to acquire title to their homesites.

from this point that Kotzebue's modern history begins.

1 Alaska Coast Pilot No. 9.

2 Dictionary Of Alaska Place Names

It is really

3 Kotzebue, Alaska, Comprehensive Development Plan A.S.H.A. 1970.

C. POPULATION

Since the 1880 census, the population of Kotzebue has increased

Assuming a growth rate of 3.5% annually, the City's growth is

Kotzebue's rapid increase in population derives, for the most part,

from intra-regional migration. "By most reports, it is better opportunities for education, medical care and similar public services, together with the

cash employment opportunities available in Kotzebue, that have motivated

this migration."

6

* Not including Kotzebue Air Force Base.

4 U. S. Bureau of the Census.

5 Kotzebue Comprehensive Plan, A.S.H.A. 1970. 6 Kotzebue Comprehensive Plan, A.S.H.A. 1970.