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TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER OF SUBMITTAL

PLATE 1, MAP OF ALASKA

PLATE 2, PROJECT AREA WITH RELATION TO BETHEL

PLATE 3, AKIACHAK, ALASKA, 1 Inch Equals 1 Mile.

PLATE 4, NAPAKIAK AND NAPASKIAK, ALASKA, 1 Inch Equals 1 Mile.

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The villages of Akiachak, Napakiak, and Napaskiak are three of the approximately 70 villages whose freight needs are served out of the 1 Port of Bethel, the deep water port of the Bethel Region.

Since shallow draft river barge freighting is the only practical way, and, in the case of some villages the only way, to receive freight, it is important to have navigational access maintained.

In 1972, reports of increasing navigational difficulties in the lower Kuskokwim River prompted legislative inquiry of the Division of Water and Harbors. The Division, in turn, commissioned this investigation.

Investigations were carried out during the Summer and Fall of 1972, employing aerial reconnaissance and on site inspections. The situation was also discussed with the barge operators who faced the operational problems.

These operational problems were soon defined as channel obstructions formed by natural forces. The Report describes the formation and effect of these blockages and suggests ameliorative or correctional measures necessary and unique to this situation. The Report also deals and makes recommendations based on the universal problem facing the Division

costs, funding, community needs, and priorities.

1a) Bethel Comprehensive Plan, A.S.H.A., Spring 1969.

b) Comprehensive Study, Medium Draft Port Facility, Silides and Galliett, November 1971.

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Bethel,

Located on the right bank of the Kuskokwim River, 13 miles NE of
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta; 60°54'30" N, 161°25'45" W.

In 1898 the village was called "Akiats haga mut", meaning Akiachak people. The 1890 census lists a population of 43.

A U. S. Post Office was established in 1934 and named Akiachak.

The Bureau of the Census indicates the following steady population growth:

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Located on the right bank of the Kuskokwim River, 10 miles SW of

Bethel, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta; 60°42'N, 161°57' W.

In 1878 the village was called "Napa haiga mute". The 1880 census

indicated a population of 98.

A U. S. Post Office was established in 1951 and named Napakiak.

At that time the village had a "church, school, and 12 dwellings". At the time of the 1970 census the population had risen to 259.

C. NAPASKIAK

Located on the left bank of the Kuskokwim River at the mouth of

Napaskiak Slough, 6 miles South of Bethel, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta; 60°42'30"N, 161°54'30"W.

In 1867 the village was known as "Napaisak". The 1880 census shows a population of 196, which declined to 97 persons in 1890 and 67 persons in 1939. However, by 1950 the population had risen again to 121 and by 1956 the village had a Russian Orthodox Church, a school, and about 30 dwellings. The 1970 census lists a population of 188.

2 Village location and past population figures from Orth's Dictionary of Alaska Place Names.

3 1970 population figures from U. S. Bureau of the Census.

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