AVEC Facilities: Noorvik

AVEC Facilities

Noorvik

(NOR-vick)

Noorvik is located on the right bank of the Nazuruk Channel of the Kobuk River, 33 miles northwest of Selawik and 45 miles east of Kotzebue. The village is downriver from the 1.7-million acre Kobuk Valley National Park. Noorvik means "a place that is moved to." The village was established by Kowagmuit Inupiat Eskimo fishermen and hunters from Deering in the early 1900s. The village was also settled by people from Oksik, a few miles upriver. A post office was established in 1937. The City government was incorporated in 1964.

Power plant and bulk fuel tank farm

New bulk fuel tank farm

Original tank farm

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Noorvik Facts

Community Profile

Current Population: 636
# of Consumers: 178
Incorporation Type: 2nd Class City
Federally recognized tribe

Community Facilities

Water pumped from the Kobuk River and treated. A pressurized circulating system distributes water in utilidors.
Vacuum sewer system in which waste is carried by air instead of water. Over 100 homes, the schools and businesses are served
New landfill and access road under development
Funds have also been requested to construct a multi-purpose facility, including a new washeteria, recreation center, Head Start, day care center, a restaurant, Native Crafts production and a food processing plant.
Large gravel runway; new airport under construction
Barge service for fuel and supplies during the summer
One school
Local health clinic
Emergency Services have river and air access.

Economy

The primary local employers are the school district, the City, the Maniilaq health clinic, and two stores. Seasonal employment found at the Red Dog Mine, BLM fire fighting, or work in Kotzebue supplements incomes. Seven residents hold commercial fishing permits. Caribou, fish, moose, waterfowl and berries are utilized.

Culture and Activities

A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Noorvik Native Community. The population of the community consists of 95% Alaska Native or part Native. Noorvik is primarily an Inupiat Eskimo community with a subsistence lifestyle. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village. Boats, ATVs and snowmachines are common means of transportation locally. There are no roads linking the village to other areas of the state.

Climate

Transitional climate zone.
Winter temperatures average -10 to 15
Summer temperatures aver 40 to 65
Temperature extremes have been recorded from -54 to 87
Snowfall averages 60 in/yr
Total precipitation 16 in/yr
The Kobuk River is navigable from early June to mid-October.

Community Weather

Scattered clouds, 52°F

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative

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