AVEC Facilities: Elim

AVEC Facilities

Elim

(EE-lim)

New automated, fuel-efficient power plant

Elim is located on the northwest shore of Norton Bay on the Seward Peninsula, 96 miles east of Nome. It lies 460 miles northwest of Anchorage. This settlement was formerly the Malemiut Inupiat Eskimo village of Nuviakchak. The Native culture was well-developed and well adapted to the environment. Each tribe possessed a well-defined subsistence harvest territory. The area became a federal reindeer reserve in 1911. In 1914, Rev. L.E. Ost founded a Covenant mission and school, called Elim Mission Roadhouse. The City was incorporated in 1970. When the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) was passed in 1971, Elim decided not to participate, and instead opted for title to the 298,000 acres of land in the former Elim Reserve. The Iditarod Sled Dog Race passes through Elim each year. Thanks to funding received from the Denali Commission, Elim has a new bulk fuel tank farm and automated, fuel-efficient power plant.

New bulk fuel tank farm

Original power plant

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Elim Facts

Community Profile

Current Population: 294
Federally recognized tribe
Incorporation Type: 2nd Class City
# of Consumers: 123
Total Generating
Capacity (kw): 1,105

Community Facilities

Water is derived from a well and is treated.
BIA and HUD housing, and PHS water and sewer systems have provided residents with piped water and sewer, indoor water heaters and plumbing, and in-home washers and dryers.
Wastes flow to a sewage treatment plant with ocean outfall
Electricity provided by AVEC
One school (Bering Strait School District
Health clinic
Emergency Services have coastal and air access
State-owned gravel airstrip
Private-owned paved airstrip at Moses Point
No dock in village, so supplies must be lightered to shore
Plans are underway to develop a harbor and dock; an access road is under construction.

Economy

The Elim economy is based on subsistence harvests; cash employment is limited to fishing, the city and school. Unemployment is high. 39 residents hold commercial fishing permits. The village wants to develop a fish processing plant. Residents rely on fish, seal, walrus, beluga whale, reindeer, moose and home gardens.

Culture and Activities

A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Elim. The population of the community consists of 94.9% Alaska Native or part Native. It is an Inupiat Eskimo village with a fishing and subsistence lifestyle. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.

Climate

Subarctic climate with maritime influences
Norton Sound is ice-free generally between mid-June and mid-November
Summers are cool and moist; winters are cold and dry
Summer temperatures average between 46 to 62 F
Winter temperatures average -8 to 8 F.
Precipitation averages 19 in/yr
Snowfall averages about 80 in/yr

Community Weather

Overcast, 50°F

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative

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