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Southcentral - Seldovia

June 19, 2009|by GoToAK staff

SELDOVIA, Alaska — Location and Climate
Seldovia is on the Kenai Peninsula across from Homer on the south shore of Kachemak Bay, a 15 minute flight. Flight time to Anchorage is 45 minutes. The community lies at approximately 59.438060° North Latitude and -151.711390° West Longitude.  (Sec. 32, T008S, R014W, Seward Meridian.)   Seldovia is located in the Seldovia Recording District.  The area encompasses 0.4 sq. miles of land and 0.2 sq. miles of water.  Winter temperatures in Seldovia average from 12 to 21 degrees; summers range from 48 to 65 degrees. Annual precipitation is 34.5 inches.

History, Culture and Demographics
Native residents are mixed Dena'ina Indian, Aleut and Sugpiaq Eskimo (also known as Alutiiq). The name Seldovia is derived from "Seldevoy," a Russian word meaning "herring bay." Between 1869 and 1882, a trading post was located here. A post office was established in 1898. The village developed around commercial fishing and fish processing. The City of Seldovia was incorporated in 1945.

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A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Seldovia Village Tribe. The population of the community consists of 23.1% Alaska Native or part Native. Seldovia is an Alutiiq village. Commercial fishing and subsistence are an integral part of the local culture. During the 2000 U.S. Census, total housing units numbered 232, and vacant housing units numbered 98. Vacant housing units used only seasonally numbered 81. U.S. Census data for Year 2000 showed 129 residents as employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 10.42 percent, although 44.64 percent of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $45,313, per capita income was $23,669, and 7.9 percent of residents were living below the poverty level.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
Water is derived from the Fish Creek Reservoir, is treated, stored in a tank, and distributed via water mains. Sewage is piped to a community septic tank for primary treatment, then discharges to an ocean outfall. 175 homes and facilities are served by the system; all homes are completely plumbed. Individual wells have been unable to produce potable water. A Borough-operated landfill is available. Electricity is provided by Homer Electric Association. There is one school located in the community,  attended by 65 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Seldovia Medical Clinic (907-234-7825); Private doctor and dentist on-call or by appointment..  The clinic is a qualified Emergency Care Center. EMS Region 2J in the Kenai Peninsula Region. Emergency Services have coastal, floatplane and air access. Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service and volunteers  Auxiliary health care is provided by Seldovia Volunteer Fire & Rescue (907-234-7812); EMS trained volunteer; EMT volunteer firefighters

Economy and Transportation
Seldovia is a commercial fishing center; shellfish farming also occurs. 57 residents hold commercial fishing permits.

A State-owned 1,845' long by 60' wide gravel airstrip and seaplane base at are available. Direct flights are provided to Homer and Anchorage, with connections to Kodiak and Kenai. A private 1,200' airstrip is available at Oyster Cove. The State Ferry System connects to Homer, where the Sterling Highway enables road access. The Kachemak Bay Ferry and Mako Water Taxi are also available for passenger commutes to Homer. A harbor and boat haul-out facility are available.

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