Alaska Village Electric Cooperative

Eek Facts

Community Profile

• Current Population: 287                                                 
• Federally recognized tribe
• Incorporation Type: 2nd Class City
• # of Consumers: 121
• Total Generating Capacity (kw): 579

Community Facilities

• Infrastructure improvements are underway. A new water intake, water treatment plant, 100,000-gallon water tank have been completed. A washeteria, sewage lagoon, and vehicles for honeybucket and refuse hauling have been funded.
• Electricity provided by AVEC
• One school (Lower Kuskokwim School District)
• One health clinic
• Emergency Services have coastal and air access
• Airport; seaplane base also available on the Eek River
• Dock available for summer barge deliveries

Economy

Eek's economy is primarily subsistence- and commercial fishing-based. A few full-time positions are available at the school, City, and village office. All families participate in subsistence fishing; 44 residents hold commercial fishing permits. All five Pacific salmon species spawn in the Eek River. Poor fish returns and prices in recent years have significantly affected the economy.

Culture and Activities

A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Eek Traditional Council. The population of the community consists of 96.8% Alaska Native or part Native. Eek is a traditional Yup'ik Eskimo village with a subsistence lifestyle. 80 to 90% of the diet consists of salmon. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village. Fishing boats, skiffs and snowmachines are used for local transportation to Bethel and other villages. There is a one-mile gravel road in the City. Winter trails are marked to Quinhagak (39 mi.), Eek Island (15 mi.) and the Kwethluk River (45 mi.)

Climate

• Marine climate.
• Precipitation averages 22 in/yr
• Snowfall averages 43 in/yr
• Summer temperatures average 41 to 57 F
• Winter temperatures average 6 to 24 F

Community Weather

   Light rain, mist, 48°F