DOCSLIB.ORG

Elliott Highway Determination of Eligibility

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Elliott Highway Determination of Eligibility Determination of Eligibility Elliott Highway Fairbanks-North Star Borough and the Yukon- Koyukuk Census Area of the Alaska Unorganized Borough Prepared for Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities December 2014 DOT&PF NOTE: PILOT DOE SHPO CONCURRENCE 2/19/15 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Determination of Eligibility Elliott Highway Fairbanks-North Star Borough and the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area of the Alaska Unorganized Borough Prepared for Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Prepared by www.meadhunt.com December 2014 DOT&PF NOTE: PILOT DOE SHPO CONCURRENCE 2/19/15 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Management Summary The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) retained Mead & Hunt, Inc. (Mead & Hunt) to complete a Determination of Eligibility of the Elliott Highway (Alaska Heritage Resources Survey numbers are listed in Appendix A; Coordinated Data System (CDS) number 153000). This work was completed as a component of the Applied Historic Context of Alaska Roads Project completed in 2012-2014. Mead & Hunt conducted a field survey of approximately 154 miles (248 kilometers) along the Elliott Highway from its termini of the Steese Highway at Fox to the Tanana River at Manley Hot Springs between August 9 and 15, 2014. Research found multiple periods of construction in the development of the current Elliott Highway. This Determination of Eligibility evaluates the highway in four segments reflecting various periods of development, including those of predecessor roads. As a result, the Elliott Highway has been divided into Segments A, B, C, and D (see maps in Appendix A). Certain bypassed sections within Segments A, B, and D possess significance at the local level and retain integrity under Criterion A for their direct and important association with Transportation and under the supplemental area of significance of Industry and are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (National Register) as indicated below. Properties Recommended National Register Eligible Applicable Period of Level of Historic Name and Location Criteria Significance Significance Boundary Bypassed section A2 of See Criterion A 1938-1959 Local Segment A Appendix A Bypassed sections B11 and B16 See Criterion A 1938-1959 Local of Segment B Appendix A Bypassed sections D1, D2, and See Criterion A c.1913-1959 Local D4 Segment D Appendix A The remaining portions of the Elliott Highway either do not possess significance or lack integrity and are not eligible for listing in the National Register. THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Table of Contents Table of Contents Page Introduction .................................................................................................... 1 1. Description of the Elliott Highway ..................................................... 3 2. Research Design ................................................................................. 5 3. Historic Context .................................................................................. 7 4. Significance ....................................................................................... 17 4.1 Criterion A: Events .................................................................... 17 4.2 Criterion B: Persons ................................................................. 19 4.3 Criterion C: Design/Construction .............................................. 19 4.4 Criterion D: Information Potential ............................................. 20 4.5. Significance Recommendation ................................................. 20 4.5.1 Segment A ...................................................................... 20 4.5.2 Segment B ...................................................................... 20 4.5.3 Segment C ..................................................................... 21 4.5.4 Segment D ..................................................................... 21 5. Integrity .............................................................................................. 23 5.1 Essential physical features ....................................................... 23 5.2 Alterations ................................................................................. 24 5.3 Assessment of integrity ............................................................ 25 5.3.1 Segment A ...................................................................... 25 5.3.2 Segment B ...................................................................... 26 5.3.3 Segment D ..................................................................... 26 6. National Register Eligibility Recommendations ............................ 29 6.1 Segment A ................................................................................ 29 6.2 Segment B ................................................................................ 29 6.3 Segment D ................................................................................ 30 ElliottHighwayDOE December 2014 i Table of Contents Appendices A Alaska Heritage Resources Survey Numbers, Mapping and Representative Images from Field Survey (August 2014) A1 Alaska Heritage Resources Survey Numbers A2 Route of the Elliott Highway A3 Mapping and Representative Images from Field Survey (August 2014) of Segments A, B, and D A4 Historic Boundary Maps for Properties Recommended National Register Eligible B Historic Photographs of the Elliott Highway, c.1934-1938 C List of Current Bridges and Improvement History of the Elliott Highway, 1958-2007 C1 List of Current Bridges Located on the Elliott Highway C2 Improvement History of the Elliott Highway, 1958-2007 ElliottHighwayDOE December 2014 ii Section 1 Introduction Introduction This Determination of Eligibility of the Elliott Highway (Alaska Heritage Resources Survey (AHRS) numbers are listed in Appendix A; Coordinated Data System (CDS) number 153000) was prepared as a component of the Applied Historic Context of Alaska Roads Project completed in 2012-2014 for the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF), which includes the Alaska Roads Historic Overview: Applied Historic Context of Alaska’s Roads (Roads Overview) (February 2014) and the Alaska Roads: Methodology for Assessing National Register of Historic Places Eligibility (Roads Methodology) (May 2014). The Alaska DOT&PF retained Mead & Hunt, Inc. (Mead & Hunt) to complete the project. This project will facilitate Alaska DOT&PF compliance with federal requirements under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (Section 106). The Section 106 process includes identifying properties that qualify for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (National Register). No undertaking by the Alaska DOT&PF is associated with this Determination of Eligibility. The project included completing an evaluation of National Register significance for a select number of roads and a Determination of Eligibility for the Elliott Highway. Mead & Hunt conducted a field survey of approximately 154 miles (248 kilometers) along the Elliott Highway, including numerous bypassed sections of the highway, from its termini of the Steese Highway at Fox to the Tanana River at Manley Hot Springs. Section 1 of this report contains a description of the Elliott Highway and Appendix A contains maps of the Elliott Highway. This Determination of Eligibility applies the Roads Methodology and utilizes contextual information from the Roads Overview. Research was completed for the development of a road-specific historic context in which to understand how the Elliott Highway relates to National Register areas of significance. Research was completed in 2014 and field survey conducted August 9-15, 2014. Section 2 of this report provides the research design. The road-specific historic context provided in Section 3 identifies and describes the important historic themes to understand the development of the Elliott Highway, while Section 4 addresses the National Register significance of the Elliott Highway. To assess integrity, Section 5 of this report describes the physical development of the road and identifies the essential physical features during its periods of significance necessary for it to convey its significance and qualify for listing in the National Register. Conclusions on National Register eligibility are provided in Section 6. ElliottHighwayDOE December 2014 1 Section 1 Introduction THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK ElliottHighwayDOE December 2014 2 Section 1 Description of the Elliott Highway 1. Description of the Elliott Highway The Elliott Highway (AHRS numbers are listed in Appendix A; CDS number 153000) is approximately 154 miles (248 kilometers) long and runs from the Steese Highway at Fox to the Tanana River at Manley Hot Springs, and is designated as part of Alaska Route 2. The highway is owned by the Alaska DOT&PF and passes through the Fairbanks-North Star Borough and the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area of the Alaska Unorganized Borough. The highway provides access to the region northwest of Fairbanks between the Yukon and Tanana Rivers, and the portion west of Livengood follows the south slope of the Yukon- Tanana Divide, a ridgeline that runs east-west and separates the two river valleys. Maps illustrating the location of the Elliott Highway are provided in Appendix A. The current alignment of the Elliott Highway extends from the Steese Highway north of Fairbanks to its junction with the Dalton Highway (Segments A and B on the maps), then heads
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Map of Fairbanks
    Goldstream...........15 Steese Highway 52 Sheep Emergency Dial.....911 N 23Õ Õ FAIRBANKS Murphy Dome.......25 18 28 25 58 29 Fox.........................12 24 The Golden Heart of Alaska Creek Rd. 13 Yukon River.........129 27 College Road Bridgewater Ave. Circle....................162 Points of Interest Kuskokwim CottonwoodTamarack 1. Fairbanks Convention & Visitors Bureau Willow Prudhoe Bay........487 Jack St. 2. Alaska Public Lands Information Center Jack St. Pine 16 Goldhill Hilling St. Creamers17 Lane 3. Borough Transit Bus Station Rd Bridgewater Dr. Ave. Chandalar Latoya Spruce 4. Westours/Gray Line of Alaska 22 Circle Caribou Way Capitol Ave. Õ Pioneer Way North Jack St. College Road Bridgewater Ave. 5. Alaska Railroad Depot Margaret Koyukuk Alaska Way Diane Marrieta Eleanor Esquire Ave. Bunnel Anna Vogel Ave. Blanch 6. Noel Wien Public Library 21 Hooper St. Mack Rd. Warren Harriet Kobuk Carr Ave. Andrew 7. Fairbanks Police /Fire departments Danby Road Sheenjek Yukon Dr. 37 Jarvis Kathryn Luke St. Cordwood Palmer St. Totem Dr. Rosella 8. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Kantishna Drive Bonnie 35 Lutke St. Central Ave. O'connor Rd. Bridget Austin Maryleigh Suncha Cir. Copper Ln. Beaver Rd. Hayes Ave. Chinook 9. Growden Memorial Baseball Park Cottonwood St. Cottonwood Taku Dr. 42 31 Porchet Parks Highway Westwood Way Southern Ave Palace Circle UAF Farmers Loop Road 10. Alaskaland 50 Morgan Way Amber Ave. Princess Dr. Aurora Drive West Trainor Gate Road 11. Alaska State Troopers Nenana..................53 Salcha Shanley St. Dogwood St. Old Steese Highway 20 Lane Gloria Birch St. Antoinette Evergreen St. 12. Fairbanks International Airport Denali Park..........120 Alatna Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Joint Land Use Study
    Fairbanks North Star Borough Joint Land Use Study United States Army, Fort Wainwright United States Air Force, Eielson Air Force Base Fairbanks North Star Borough, Planning Department July 2006 Produced by ASCG Incorporated of Alaska Fairbanks North Star Borough Joint Land Use Study Fairbanks Joint Land Use Study This study was prepared under contract with Fairbanks North Star Borough with financial support from the Office of Economic Adjustment, Department of Defense. The content reflects the views of Fairbanks North Star Borough and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Office of Economic Adjustment. Historical Hangar, Fort Wainwright Army Base Eielson Air Force Base i Fairbanks North Star Borough Joint Land Use Study Table of Contents 1.0 Study Purpose and Process................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................1 1.2 Study Objectives ............................................................................................................ 2 1.3 Planning Area................................................................................................................. 2 1.4 Participating Stakeholders.............................................................................................. 4 1.5 Public Participation........................................................................................................ 5 1.6 Issue Identification........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Tanana Valley Stocked Lakes Fishing Guide
    Tanana Valley Stocked Lakes Fishing Guide Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fish Division April 2017 Table of Contents Tanana River Drainage Stocked Lakes Program .................................................................................................... 1 Fishing Facts and Tips ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) ......................................................................................................................... 4 Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus) ................................................................................................................. 5 Burbot (Lota lota) ............................................................................................................................................... 6 King (Chinook) Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Silver (Coho) Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) .... 7 Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush) ................................................................................................................... 8 Northern Pike (Esox lucius) ................................................................................................................................ 9 Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) ........................................................................................................... 10 Road Guide ..........................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Regional Comprehensive Plan
    FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH RREEGGIIOONNAALL CCOOMMPPRREEHHEENNSSIIVVEE PPLLAANN Adopted in September 2005 ~1947 LANCE MACKEY WINS THE 2005 YUKON QUEST A FREIGHT TEAM IN THE MID-1940S Fairbanks North Star Borough Regional Comprehensive Plan Adopted by the FNSB Borough Assembly September 13, 2005 (Ordinance No. 2005-56) Garry Hutchison, Presiding Officer Luke Hopkins Bonnie Williams Earl Romans Randy Frank Terry Aldridge Guy Sattley Hank Bartos Charlie Rex FNSB PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS Merle Jantz, Chair Chris Miller, Vice Chair Toby Hall Kelly Dryer Deborah Horner Gerald V. Neubert Alexandra M. Kienle Roy Earnest Steve Krause Bruce Hamilton FNSB Mayor Jim Whitaker FNSB Community Planning Department Bernardo Hernandez, Director 1 Community Planning Department P.O. Box 71267 Fairbanks, AK (907) 459-1260 www.co.fairbanks.ak.us Fairbanks North Star Borough Regional Comprehensive Plan Table of Contents Introduction Purpose 3 Vision 3 Process 3 Organization 4 History and Current Conditions 5 Plan Abstract 6 Plan Implementation Land Use 10 Regional Comprehensive Plan Map Definitions 15 Economic Development 18 Transportation and Infrastructure 21 Environment 24 Community and Human Resources 27 Appendix 31 Index 33 2 Fairbanks North Star Borough Regional Comprehensive Plan Introduction Purpose The Fairbanks North Star (FNSB) Regional Comprehensive Plan provides the foundation for future growth coupled with responsible stewardship of major attributes of the community in the perpetual evolving changes natural to man. The Plan provides the framework for citizens and officials to make decisions related to land use, and to form the basis for ordinances and programs to guide land development, and use. It is also a guide for responding to change in the community.
    [Show full text]
  • Late Pleistocene /Early Holocene Site Structure In
    LATE PLEISTOCENE /EARLY HOLOCENE SITE STRUCTURE IN BERINGIA : A CASE STUDY FROM THE BROKEN MAMMOTH SITE , INTERIOR ALASKA Kathryn E. Krasinski Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, 1664 North Virginia Street MS 0096, Reno, NV 89557-0096; [email protected] David R. Yesner Department of Anthropology, University of Alaska Anchorage ABSTRACT Intrasite spatial analysis and the characterization of site structure at archaeological sites consider the relationship between archaeological material to derive connections between economic and social be- havior through the prehistoric use of space. This paper examines the spatial distribution of hearth fea- tures, débitage, and faunal remains in the late Pleistocene and early Holocene cultural components of the Broken Mammoth site, near Big Delta in interior Alaska. K-means analysis was used to reconstruct activity areas including lithic workshops, meal preparation areas, and refuse zones. Site organization suggests Broken Mammoth was a semipermanent base camp for early colonists of eastern Beringia. keywords: spatial analysis in archaeology, prehistoric activity areas, K-means cluster analysis, Beringia, Paleoindian archaeology, Broken Mammoth Site INTRODUCTION Most research on late Pleistocene and early Holocene sites merous hearth features in well-stratified contexts, relative in eastern Beringia has focused efforts on technological lack of postdepositional taphonomic disturbance, and fau- connections to Siberia and Northeast Asia (Goebel et nal preservation (Yesner et al. 1992). This paper addresses al. 1991; Hoffecker et al. 1993; West 1996; Yi and Clark the spatial structure of lithic and faunal patterns in the 1985). Studies of intrasite artifact distributions and site two oldest components of the Broken Mammoth site, cul- structure have seen much less research emphasis, but tural zones 3 and 4, dated between 12,000 and 9,300 14C a few notable exceptions exist (Higgs 1992; Hoffecker yrs bp.
    [Show full text]
  • Tanana Lakes Recreation Area Master Plan Fairbanks North Star Borough Department of Parks & Recreation
    Tanana Lakes Recreation Area Master Plan Fairbanks North Star Borough Department of Parks & Recreation Tanana Lakes Recreation Area Master Plan 2007 Planning Team: Fairbanks North Star Borough, Department of Parks & Recreation USKH, Inc. FNSB - Department of Parks and Recreation Executive Summary This Master Plan outlines the Fairbanks North Star Borough’s (FNSB’s) plan for the future development and use of the Tanana Lakes Recreation Area, a 750-acre multi-use park south of the City of Fairbanks along the Tanana River. The purpose of the Master Plan is to provide the FNSB with a long-term, planning guide for gravel extraction and development of the recreation area based on resource opportunities and constraints, development opportunities and constraints, and public needs. The Master Plan details the planning purpose and process, existing site conditions and land use, resources assessment, public process and demand, development plan, maintenance and operations considerations, and permits and authorizations required for development of the recreation area. The project concept originated approximately 15 years ago by the FNSB and its need to extract gravel for use at the South Cushman Landfill. The unsecured site has historically been a common place for illegal dumping of junk or abandoned vehicles and other refuse, as well as other unauthorized and criminal activities. Passing years have brought to the forefront the desire to clean up the site in order to enhance the wildlife habitat and natural features of the area in conjunction with the FNSB’s plan to extract gravel. As a result, this Master Plan has become a priority driven by both public safety and the importance of establishing this area for the community’s use and enjoyment.
    [Show full text]
  • March 1St, 2021 Snow Water Equivalent
    March 1, 2021 The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service cooperates with the following organizations in snow survey work: Federal State of Alaska U.S. Depart of Agriculture - U.S. Forest Service Alaska Department of Fish and Game Chugach National Forest Alaska Department of Transportation and Tongass National Forest Public Facilities U.S. Department of Commerce Alaska Department of Natural Resources NOAA, Alaska Pacific RFC Division of Parks U.S. Department of Defense Division of Mining and Water U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Division of Forestry U.S. Department of Interior Alaska Energy Authority Bureau of Land Management Alaska Railroad U.S. Geological Survey Soil and Water Conservation Districts U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Homer SWCD National Park Service Fairbanks SWCD Salcha-Delta SWCD Municipalities University of Alaska Anchorage Geophysical Institute Juneau Water and Environment Research Private Alaska Public Schools Alaska Electric, Light and Power, Juneau Mantanuska-Susitna Borough School Alyeska Resort, Inc. District Alyeska Pipeline Service Company Eagle School, Gateway School District Anchorage Municipal Light and Power Chugach Electric Association Canada Copper Valley Electric Association Ministry of the Environment Homer Electric Association British Columbia Ketchikan Public Utilities Department of the Environment Prince William Sound Science Center Government of the Yukon The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, nation- al origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.
    [Show full text]
  • Ground-Water Resources of the Fairbanks Area Alaska
    Ground-Water Resources of the Fairbanks Area Alaska GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 1590 1863 Ground-Water Resources of the Fairbanks Area Alaska By D. J. CEDERSTROM GEOLOGICAL SURVEY WATER-SUPPLY PAPER 1590 Ground-water occurrence in an area of discontinuous permafrost UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1963 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR STEWART L. UDALL, Secretary GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Thomas B. Nolan, Director The U.S. Geological Survey Library has cataloged this publication as follows: Cederstrom, Dagfin John, 1908 Ground-water resources of the Fairbanks area, Alaska. Washington, U.S. Govt. Print. Off., 1962. iv, 84 p. illus., maps (part fold, in pocket) diagrs., tables. 24 cm. (U.S. Geological Survey. Water-supply paper 1590) Bibliography: p. 54-55. 1. Water-supply-Alaska-Fairbanks area. 2. Water, Underground- Alaska-Fairbanks area. 3. Water-Analysis. 4. Borings-Alaska-Fair­ banks area. (Series) For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office Washington 25, D.C. CONTENTS Page Abstract_ _ _ _-_____--____-_______________________-_------__------ 1 Introduction. _____________________________________________________ 2 Scope and purpose of report____________________________________ 2 Geography___ _______________________________________________ 4 Topography ___________________________________________________ 4 Settlement and population________----_---_-___-_-_--_---------- 5 Climate ______________________________________________________ 6 Industry _____________________________________________________
    [Show full text]
  • Richardson Highway / Steese Expressway Corridor Study Draft Purpose and Need
    Richardson Highway / Steese Expressway Corridor Study Draft Purpose and Need The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF), in cooperation with the Alaska Division Office of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), is developing a Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) Study for the Fairbanks, Alaska area Richardson Highway / Steese Expressway corridors from Badger Road interchange (Richardson Highway milepost 360) to Chena Hot Springs Road interchange (Steese Highway milepost 5). Purpose The purpose of the study is to collaborate with State, local, and federal agencies, the general public, and interested stakeholders to develop a shared corridor concept that meets long ‐range transportation needs to improve safety, mobility, air quality, and freight operations. Additionally, the concept will promote improvements that reduce transportation deficiencies (e.g. delay and congestion), enhance the corridor’s sustainability (e.g. infrastructure longevity and maintenance costs), and minimize environmental and social impacts. Project Need Summary I – Safety Safety for motorized and non‐motorized traffic needs improvement by developing a corridor concept that: Upgrades the transportation infrastructure to current ADOT&PF design standards where practical Reduces conflict points Reduces the frequency and severity of crashes at “high crash locations” Improves pedestrian and bicycle crossings II – Mobility The mobility of people and goods in the corridor needs improvement by developing a concept that: Reduces delay
    [Show full text]
  • State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Mining, Land, and Water
    STATE OF ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF MINING, LAND, AND WATER PRELIMINARY DECISION Silverbow Creek Remote Recreational Cabin Sites, ADL 420295 Proposed Public Access Trail Easements, ADL 421305, 421306, and 421307 Proposed Public or Private Driveway Easements Proposed Land Offering in the Unorganized Borough AS 38.05.035(e), AS 38.05.045, AS 38.05.600, AS 38.05.850 RELATED ACTION: Proposed Mineral Order (Closing) AS 38.05.185 and AS 38.05.300 PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ENDS 5:00PM, THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2020 I. Proposed Actions Preliminary Decision: Silverbow Creek Remote Recreational Cabin Sites - ADL 420295 Proposed Public Access Trail Easements, ADL 421305, 421306, and 421307 Proposed Public or Private Driveway Easements Attachment A: Vicinity Map Attachment B: Area Data Summary Table Attachment C: Public Notice Public is also invited to comment on the proposed related actions: Draft Mineral Order No. 1197 (Closing) Primary Proposed Action: The primary proposed action of this Preliminary Decision of the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Mining, Land, and Water (DMLW), Land Sales Section (LSS) is to offer up to 30 parcels ranging from 5 to 20 acres in this project area, for a maximum of 600 acres of State-owned land within the identified project area. Located within DNR’s Northern Region, approximately 65 miles northwest of Fairbanks, 15 miles west of Minto, and 15 miles northeast of Manley Hot Springs, Alaska, the project area is within portions of Township 3 North, Ranges 12 and 13 West, and Township 4 North Ranges 11, 12, and 13 West, Fairbanks Meridian, within the Unorganized Borough.
    [Show full text]
  • Alaska Roads Historic Overview
    Alaska Roads Historic Overview Applied Historic Context of Alaska’s Roads Prepared for Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities February 2014 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Alaska Roads Historic Overview Applied Historic Context of Alaska’s Roads Prepared for Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Prepared by www.meadhunt.com and February 2014 Cover image: Valdez-Fairbanks Wagon Road near Valdez. Source: Clifton-Sayan-Wheeler Collection; Anchorage Museum, B76.168.3 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Table of Contents Table of Contents Page Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................... 1 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 Project background ............................................................................................................. 3 1.2 Purpose and limitations of the study ................................................................................... 3 1.3 Research methodology ....................................................................................................... 5 1.4 Historic overview ................................................................................................................. 6 2. The National Stage ........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Background and Setting
    Interior Alaska Transportation Plan November 2010 2 Background and Setting 2.1 Regional Setting The Interior Alaska planning area encompasses approximately 132,200 square miles or 20 percent of the state. If the Interior Alaska planning area were a state, it would rank as the fifth largest state in the Union falling between New Mexico and Montana in size. It contains one State forest, 15 State recreation areas, three national parks/preserves and three national wildlife refuges. Two highway international border crossings as well as 54 percent of Alaska’s National Highway System roads are within the study area. The study area includes all of the Fairbanks North Star Borough, and portions of the Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Borough and Denali Borough; however, 83 percent of the study area is outside an organized borough. The study area is made up of 41% federal land, including Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service land; and 38% state land, including state-owned and state- selected land1. Nearly all the remaining land is Native owned, with less than 1 percent held by private individuals. Figure 1 shows land ownership distribution for the study area. 2.2 Communities There are approximately 50 communities in the study area that range in population from fewer than a dozen to over 31,000 (Fairbanks). All but twelve of the communities in the study area have access to the contiguous highway system. Three of the communities are governed as Home Rule Cities (Fairbanks, Nenana, and North Pole), four are second class cities (Anderson, Eagle, Fort Yukon, and Delta Jct.), and one is a first class city (Tanana).
    [Show full text]