Y, Alaska

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Y (pronounced like the word "why") is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. At the 2000 census the population was 956; a state demographer estimated the population at 1,072 in 2004.

1 Location and Climate
2 History, Culture and Demographics
3 Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
4 Economy and Transportation
5 Regional Organizations
6 External links and references

[edit] Location and Climate

Y is located at 62.154270° North, -149.79892° West (Sec. 22, T024N, R003W, Seward Meridian)^GR1 in the Palmer Recording District.

Y is the developed area between Willow and Talkeetna along the George Parks Highway. The Parks Highway and Talkeetna Spur Road form what is locally known as the "Talkeetna Y" at mile 98.7 (km 158.8) of the Parks Highway. Y includes Montana Creek and Sunshine. January temperatures range from -40°F to 51°F (-40°C–11°C); July can range from 26°F to 90°F (-3°C–32°C). Precipitation ranges from 14 to 29 inches (36–74 cm), with 48–70 inches (122–178 cm) of snowfall.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 871.6 km² (336.5 mi²). 863.6 km² (333.4 mi²) of it is land and 8.1 km² (3.1 mi²) of it (0.92%) is water.

[edit] History, Culture and Demographics

Ahtna-speaking Athabascans lived in the Talkeetna Mountains and had a village opposite the mouth of Sunshine Creek called "Tsuk Qayeh," meaning "Old Village." Dena'ina-speaking Athabascans lived along the Deshka River and the middle Susitna River in the winter, below present-day Talkeetna. A Dena'ina village was located on the North Fork of the Kashwitna River, with a trail to Chickaloon, Alaska. Montana Creek became a small Dena'ina village in about 1915 during construction of the Alaska Railroad. Through 1927, the railroad brought employment and settlement to the area. Montana, at Mile 209.3, was one of the first construction camps. In 1918, a spur was constructed to a coal mine in the area. Sunshine Depot at Mile 215.3 was established in 1918, but was moved to higher ground in 1936. Construction of the Parks Highway and state land disposals led to settlement of the area.

The population of the community consists of 11.2% Alaska Native or part Native. The local "Y Community Council" advocates for area residents' concerns. Only half of the more than 800 homes in this area are occupied. The population is relatively diverse. During the 2000 U.S. Census, total housing units numbered 818, and vacant housing units numbered 406. Vacant housing units used only seasonally numbered 285. U.S. Census data for Year 2000 showed 253 residents as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 24.25 percent, although 64.42 percent of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $31,848, per capita income was $15,437, and 17.41 percent of residents were living below the poverty level.

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 956 people, 412 households, and 252 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1.1/km² (2.9/mi²). There were 818 housing units at an average density of 0.9/km² (2.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 85.88% White, 0.63% Black or African American, 6.59% Native American, 0.63% Asian, 0.84% from other races, and 5.44% from two or more races. 2.30% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 412 households out of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.6% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. 32.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 24.8% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 32.0% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 117.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 118.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $31,848, and the median income for a family was $38,304. Males had a median income of $54,500 versus $35,625 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $15,437. About 9.5% of families and 17.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.4% of those under age 18 and 13.2% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care

The majority of occupied homes have individual wells, septic tanks, and complete plumbing. Seasonal-use homes haul water and use outhouses. The borough operates a refuse transfer station in Y, at mile 102 Parks Hwy. Electricity is provided by Matanuska Electric Association. There is one school located in the community, attended by 209 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Sunshine Community Health Center (733-2273) in Talkeetna or Valley Hospital in Palmer (746-8600). Auxiliary health care is provided by Talkeetna Ambulance Service; Trapper Creek Ambulance Service; Sunshine Community Health Center (733-2273); Valley Hospital in Palmer or Anchorage hospitals.

[edit] Economy and Transportation

Many residents are self-employed in a variety of small businesses, including lodging, guiding and charter services. Some residents are employed in the Palmer/Wasilla area.

The community is accessible from the George Parks Highway. The Talkeetna airstrip is located nearby. A variety of transportation means are available in Wasilla, Palmer and Anchorage.

Taxes: Sales: None, Property: 11.483 mills (Borough), Special: 5% Accommodations Tax (Borough)

[edit] Regional Organizations

Community Non-Profit - Y Community Council
HC 89 - Box 1780, Amundson Ave.
Willow, AK 99688
Phone 907-495-5749
Fax 907-733-2499
E-mail talkaero@alaska.net

Borough - Matanuska-Susitna Borough
350 East Dahlia Avenue
Palmer, AK 99645
Phone 907-745-4801
Fax 907-745-9845
E-mail ccb@msb.co.mat-su.ak.us
http://www.matsugov.us/

Regional Native Health Corporation - Southcentral Foundation
4501 Diplomacy, Suite 200
Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone 907-729-5235
Fax 907-729-4972
E-mail katherineg@scf.cc
http://www.southcentralfoundation.com/index.cfm

Regional Development - Mat-Su Resource Conser. & Dev.
1700 E. Bogard #203
Wasilla, AK 99654
Phone 907-373-1062
Fax 907-373-1064
E-mail matsurcd@mtaonline.net