AVEC Facilities: Goodnews Bay

AVEC Facilities

Goodnews Bay

Original power plant

The community is located on the north shore of Goodnews Bay at the mouth of Goodnews River. It is 116 air miles south of Bethel, 110 miles northwest of Dillingham and 400 miles west of Anchorage. Yup'ik Eskimos called this village "Mumtraq," which was moved to its present location due to constant flooding and storms at the old site. Shortly thereafter, in the 1930s, a government school and post office were built. The City was incorporated in 1970. A high school was built in 1979.

Original tank farm

New fuel-efficient engine

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Goodnews Bay Facts

Community Profile

Current Population: 242
Federally recognized tribe
Incorporation Type: 2nd Class City
# of Consumers: 99
Total Generating Capacity (kw): 661

Community Facilities

Washeteria, central watering point, honeybucket haul and sewage lagoon
Treated well water is hauled from the new watering point. Homes are currently not plumbed.
Major infrastructure for a piped circulating water and vacuum sewer system, and plumbing for 77 homes, is under construction
Electricity is provided by AVEC
One school (Lower Kuskokwim School District)
One health clinic. Emergency Services have coastal and air access.
Auxiliary health care is provided by Goodnews Bay First Responder Group
Airstrip
No docking facilities; barges deliver fuel and other supplies during summer

Economy

The city, school, local businesses and commercial fishing provide the majority of the income, supplemented by subsistence activities. 41 residents hold commercial fishing permits for salmon and herring roe fisheries. Many residents engage in trapping. Subsistence upon salmon, seal, walrus, birds, berries, moose and bear is an integral part of the lifestyle.

Culture and Activities

A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Goodnews Bay. The population of the community consists of 93.9% Alaska Native or part Native. Goodnews is a traditional Yup'ik Eskimo village practicing a subsistence, trapping and fishing lifestyle. The sale, importation or possession of alcohol is banned in the village. Boats and skiffs used extensively during the summer months. Snowmachines are the primary means of travel during the winter. Winter trails are marked along the Coastal Trail (60.3 mi.) and the Arolik Trail (60.1 mi.)

Climate

Transitional climatic zone, exhibiting characteristics of both a marine and continental climate.
Precipitation averages 22 in/yr.
Snowfall averages 43 in/yr.
Summer temperatures range from 41 to 57 F
Winter temperatures are 6 to 24 degrees F

Community Weather

Overcast, 50°F

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative

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