Anchorage, Alaska

This article is about the city in the U.S. state of Alaska. For other meanings, see Anchorage.

Anchorage is a Unified Home Rule Municipality (officially called the Municipality of Anchorage) in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is also a census area. With 260,283 residents according to the 2000 census, Anchorage is the largest city in the state of Alaska, composing more than two-fifths of the state's population. A State of Alaska Demographer in 2004 estimates the population at 277,498. Anchorage was founded in 1915 and named after a place where a ship lies at anchor. It is sometimes referred to as the "Air Crossroads of the World" because of its unique geographical location between the two northern continents. Its official nickname is "The City of Lights and Flowers". Garden writers call Anchorage the "Hanging Basket Capital of the World" when it comes to the city's 100,000 hanging baskets, and aviation buffs refer to the city as the "Air Crossroads of the World." In downtown Anchorage along the streets and sidewalks are 425 baskets of bright gold triploid marigold drenched with trailing sapphire lobelia. The blue and gold flowers represent the colors of the Municipality of Anchorage flag and the Alaska state flag. The city of Anchorage blooms with vibrant color during the late spring and summer when it comes to flowers.

Today Anchorage has many features of a modern urban area, such as parks and forests, bike and city trails, skiing and cross-country ski trails, business and commerce, theaters and other entertainments. The tourist industry is strong and offers many activities and attractions.

History

Main article: History of Anchorage, Alaska

Russia was well established in the 1800s. In 1867, U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward brokered a deal to purchase Alaska from debt-ridden Russia for $7.2 million, about two cents an acre. Alaska's value was not appreciated by the American masses at that time, calling it "Seward's folly", "Seward's icebox" and "Walrussia". By 1888, gold was discovered along Turnagain Arm. In 1912, Alaska becomes a United States Territory. Anchorage was carefully laid out by city planners in 1914, originally as a railroad construction port for the Alaska Railroad, and on July 9, 1915, the first sales of town lots were held. In 1915 President Woodrow Wilson authorized funds for the construction of the Alaska Railroad and that same year the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce was formed. Ship Creek Landing in Anchorage was selected as the headquarters of this effort. Soon a "Tent City" sprang up at the mouth of Ship Creek and the population quickly swelled to more than 2,000. Would-be entrepreneurs flocked to this bustling frontier town, and brought with them everything necessary to build a city. A popular hardware and clothing store, "The Anchorage," was actually an old dry-docked steamship name "Berth." Although the area had been known by various names, the U.S. Post Office Department formalized the use of the name "Anchorage," and despite some protests the name stuck. In 1920, the United States government relinquished its direct control over the city, and elections were held. Anchorage was incorporated on November 23, 1920. In 1923, William Mulcahy establishes the Anchorage Baseball League. Mulcahy was a baseball fan who was working as the Alaska Railroad station auditor assistant and established the baseball league in his spare time. Later in life, Mulcahy introduced Little League baseball and established the city's YMCA. The Mulcahy Park stadium and ball field were named in his honor for his contributions to early Anchorage.

The 1930s was a time that Anchorage rebounded from a loss of population and industry it had suffered during World War I. Air transportation became increasingly important to Anchorage. It continues to help define the city today, as it is known to many as the "Air Crossroads of the World." In 1930, the original "Park Strip" landing field was replaced by a new facility, Merrill Field, which had a beacon and a landing tower and in a few short years, it became one of the busiest centers of civilian aircraft activity in the United States. In 1937, Providence Alaska Medical Center opens its doors.

Image:Anchorage-1940s2.jpg The arrival of troops in 1940 marked a decade of growth based on military expansion for Anchorage. Growth began in the 1940s, with the construction of Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson, which made Anchorage a major defense center. In 1940, a canal was built connecting Lake Spenard with Lake Hood, making it the world's largest seaplane base and, it is still fully operational today. By the outbreak of World War II the threat of Japanese invasion prompted continued expansion of military personnel and aircraft, and the pressures of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union ensured continued heavy military investment in the Anchorage area after World War II. By 1946, Anchorage was known as the "Air Cross Roads of the World," with stops by air carriers from the Orient to the continental United States. In 1947, the parking meter was introduced, and in 1949, the first traffic lights were installed on Fourth Avenue. Between 1939 and 1950, Anchorage's population doubled from 4,229 to 30,060, and so did the cost of living. Anchorage also experienced an unfortunate rise in crime during this tumultuous growth period, a problem the city would fight for decades.

The decade of the 1950s was also eventful. In 1951, Mail delivery began, as did the opening of the Seward Highway. On December 10, 1951, Anchorage establishes itself as the "Air Crossroads of the World" when Anchorage International Airport opens with transpolar airline traffic flying between Europe and Asia. In 1953, health care expanded with the opening of the Alaska Native Medical Center, and three volcanoes erupted, including Mount Spurr, which dumped several inches of ash on the Anchorage area. KTVA, the city's first television station, began broadcasting in 1953. In 1954, Alyeska Resort was established. In 1957, oil was discovered on the Kenai Peninsula. On January 3, 1959, Alaska joined the union as the 49th state.

Image:Anc65.jpg The decade of the 1960s began on a bright note for Anchorage after Alaska's attaining statehood. After Alaska became a state, Anchorage faced a severe housing shortage, which was solved partially by suburban expansion. In January 1964, Anchorage became a City and Borough. On March 27, 1964, Anchorage was hit by the Good Friday Earthquake, which registered 9.2 moment magnitude on the richter scale and caused tremendous destruction. This earthquake was the largest ever recorded in North America and United States history and, Anchorage lay only 75 miles (120 km) from the epicenter. It killed 131 people across South Central Alaska and damage was estimated at over $300 million (1964 dollars). Anchorage's remarkable recovery from this disaster dominated life in the late 1960s. The continued threat of earthquakes has prompted a limit on the heigh of buildings in the city; the tallest buildings are 21 stories high. In 1968, Kincaid Park was created in South Anchorage from a former Nike missile site. That same year, oil was discovered in Prudhoe Bay on the Arctic Slope and, in 1969, oil lease sale brings billions of dollars to the state.

Image:Statue of Balto in Anchorage.jpg The decade of the 1970s was an important time of growth for the Anchorage economy. The growth of Anchorage International Airport would make Anchorage's unique geographical location between the two northern continents earned the sobriquet "Air Crossroads of the World." On March 3, 1973, the first 1049-mile-long (1690 km) Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race starts from downtown Anchorage with 34 mushers. Twenty-two mushers finished the race with the last one arriving in Nome one-month after he left the starting line. In recent years, winners have finished the race in less than 10-days. In 1974, construction begain on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. The oil discovery and pipline construction fueled a modern-day boon when oil and construction companies set up headquarters in Anchorage. The pipeline was completed in 1977 at a cost of more than $8 billion. In 1975, Bicentennial Park was created in Southeast Anchorage. On September 15, 1975, the city and borough consolidated forming a unified government. Also included in this unification were Eagle River, Eklutna, Girdwood, Glen Alps, and several other communities. The unified area became officially known as the Municipality of Anchorage. By 1980, the population of Anchorage had increased to 174,431.

The decade of the 1980s was a time of growth, thanks to a flood of North Slope oil revenue into the state treasury. Capital projects and an aggressive beautification program, combined with far-sighted community planning, greatly increased infrastructure and quality of life. These included a new library, civic center, sports arena and performing arts center. The 1980s was also a time when Alaska's up-and-down economy hit home. The price of oil dropped dramatically and recession hit Anchorage. In 1984, Hilltop Ski Area was established, which along with the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood and Alpenglow at Arctic Valley gave residents three fully operational skiing areas, Tourism and recreational activities. In 1986, Kincaid Outdoor Center opens. In 1989, Mount Redoubt erupted, curtailing aviation in the Anchorage area for a short period of time.

The decade of the 1990s was a time when Anchorage saw gold. In 1996, the Arctic Winter Games were held in Chugiak/Eagle River and, in 1999, the Alaska Native Heritage Center opens.

On July 8, 2000, the airport was renamed "Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport" in honor of Alaska's longest-serving United States Senator Ted Stevens, firmly solidifying Anchorage's place as the "Air Crossroads of the World." Image:AnchoragewithMcKinleyinthebackground.jpg The city today has an attractive skyline nonetheless, particularly with the Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet, or the oft-visible Mount McKinley (also known as Denali) as a backdrop. From Government Hill, one can have the best view of Mount McKinley. Though space is limited in the "Anchorage bowl," as locals call the peninsula on which the city is located, many parks, greenbelts, and other undeveloped areas can be found within the city itself, making it particularly attractive to nature lovers (to say nothing of the attractions available just a short distance outside the city). Over the past thirty years, however, many of these undeveloped areas have filled in with houses, strip malls, and other development. Nonetheless, there is an enormous amount of land under the Anchorage Municipal control: some 1,955 square miles (5063 km²) about the size of Delaware. The vast majority of this land is located within the Chugach Mountains to the east of the city, which also comprises Chugach State Park.

Geography and climate

Geography

Image:Vicinity map of Municipality of Anchorage.gif According to the United States Census Bureau, the municipality has a total area of 5,079.2 km² (1,961.1 mi²), 4,395.8 km² (1,697.2 mi²) of it is land and 683.4 km² (263.9 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 13.46% water.

Anchorage is located in South Central Alaska, at 61 °13'06"North latitude (about the same as Stockholm and St. Petersburg), -149 °53'57"West longitude (about the same as Hawaii), northeast of the Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak Island, and Cook Inlet, due north of the Kenai Peninsula, northwest of Prince William Sound and Alaska Panhandle, and nearly due south of Mount McKinley/Denali. The city is situated on a triangular peninsula bordered on the east by the rugged, scenic, and eminently hike-worthy Chugach Mountains, on the northwest by the Knik Arm, and on the southwest by the Turnagain Arm, upper branches of the Cook Inlet, which itself is the northernmost reach of the Pacific Ocean. Despite this, the city lacks coastal beaches, instead having wide, treacherous mudflats. Adjacent to the north is Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska. To the south is Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, and to the east is Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska. Anchorage's unique position in the polar regions between Europe and Asia has earned it the nickname "Air Crossroads of the World."

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Climate

Average daytime summer temperatures are approximately 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (13 to 27 degrees Celsius); average daytime winter temperatures are about 5 to 20 degrees (-15 to -7 degrees Celsius) (warmer than many places in the contiguous United States). Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (PANC) average January low and high temperatures are 9 °F / 22 °F (-13 °C / -5 °C) with an average winter snowfall of 70.60 inches (179.3 cm). The weather on any given day and indeed for entire seasons can be very unpredictable. Some winters feature several feet of snow and bitterly cold temperatures, while others, just a foot or two of snow and frequent thaws, which puts dangerous ice on the streets. On March 17, 2002, a record 24-hour (St. Patrick's Day) snow storm dumped 25.7 inches (65.3 cm) of snow on the Anchorage area, causing the airport and schools to close on that day, and several days longer for the schools. The 1954-1955 winter had 132.8 inches (337.3 cm), which made it the snowiest winter on record. The coldest temperature ever recorded at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport was -38 °F (-38.8 °C) on February 3, 1948. Summers are typically very mild and pleasant, though it can rain frequently. There isn't any beach-bathing in Anchorage, except at a few local lakes on the warmest summer days, when those lakeside beaches can be extremely popular. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport average July low and high temperatures are 52 °F / 66 °F (11 °C / 19 °C) and the hottest reading ever recorded was 86 °F (30 °C) on June 25, 1953. The average annual precipitation at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is 16.07 inches (40.8 cm). Aside from the winter cold, which most Alaskans don't mind, there are two primary nuisances associated with the seasons: in the summer, mosquitoes (which are much worse out in the Bush than in the city itself); in the winter, long nights and very short days. Since Anchorage is at such a high latitude, for months in mid-winter, residents go to work in the dark and return home in the dark. Those who don't study or work next to a window can go all week long without seeing the sun.

Demographics

As of the U.S. Census^GR2 of 2000, Anchorage had a population of 260,283 and in all the Municipality of Anchorage is home to almost two-fifths of Alaska's population. The population density is 59.2/ km² (153.4/ mi²). There are 100,368 housing units at an average density of 22.8/ km² (59.1/ mi²). The racial makeup of the municipality is 72.23% White (Caucasian), 5.55% are Asian Americans, 5.84% are African Americans, 7.28% are American Indians or Alaska Natives, 0.93% are Pacific Islanders, 5.69% are Hispanic Americans or Latinos of any race, 5.98% are from two or more races, and 2.19% are from other non-white backgrounds.

There are 94,822 households out of which 38.9% have children under the age 18 living with them, 51.1% are married couples living together, 11.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% are non-families. 23.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 3.8% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.67 and the average family size is 3.19.

In the city the population is spread out with 29.1% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 33.9% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 5.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 101.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 102.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $55,546, and the median income for a family is $63,682. Males have a median income of $41,267 versus $63,682 for females. The per capita income for the city is $25,287. 7.3% of the population and 5.1% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 8.8% of those under the age of 18 and 6.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Anchoragites exemplify many of the qualities to be found among Alaskans generally: independence, friendliness, practical-mindedness, and a love of the outdoors. There is, even among businesspeople in Anchorage, a tendency to "dress down" (there is no dress code in any Anchorage restaurant). This, and a sort of frontier spirit that still lives on in Alaska generally, gives Anchorage a relatively casual, relaxed atmosphere compared to some other American cities. (These cultural characteristics are only more exaggerated the farther one moves out of the city into the rest of Alaska.) The city has traditionally served as a destination for immigrants, and there are active Asian, Eastern European, and Hispanic populations, along with communities of African Americans and various groups of aboriginal Alaskans. Over 95 languages are spoken by students in the Anchorage School District.

Government

Anchorage is administered by an elected mayor and assembly, and a city manager. The city's current mayor is Mark Begich.

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Sister cities

Anchorage is internationally partnered with a number of sister cities to promote global cooperation, cultural exchange and economic collaboration.

Today, Anchorage has six sister cities, including Chitose (Japan), Darwin (Australia), Incheon (South Korea), Magadan (Russia), Tromso (Norway), and Whitby (England).

Economy

Anchorage is the center of commerce for Alaska and a major port, receiving over 95% of all freight entering Alaska passes, as well as a major hub of the famous Alaska Railroad. Several oil and gas industries like: BP Exploration (Alaska}, Inc.; ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.; Doyon Universal Services; Enstar Natural Gas Co.; ExxonMobil Production; Flint Hills Resources; Norcoast Mechanical; Tesoro Alaska Petroleum Co.; Udelhoven Oilfield System Services, Inc.; Union Oil Company of California; and VECO Alaska, Inc. are all headquartered in Anchorage.

Anchorage is home to two major corporations which provide communication services to Alaska: Alaska Communications Systems and General Communications, Inc. both of which offer local and long distance telephone service, dial up and broadband internet access and cellular service.

Many corporations, such as large banks, real estate, transportation, other communications, and government agencies are all headquartered in Anchorage. There are two strategically important U.S. military bases bordering Anchorage on the north: Elmendorf AFB and Fort Richardson. Both military bases together station over 9,000 military personnels.

Numerous visitor and tourist facilities and services are available throughout the Municipality of Anchorage. Nearly all Alaska Interior-bound tourists pass through Anchorage at some stage of their journeys in Alaska. Not surprisingly, summer is tourist season, and downtown Anchorage, as well as the highways leading north and south of town, are typically teeming with tourists. Anchorage has seasonal factors contribute to a fluctuating, though low, unemployment rate.

Taxes

Sales: None, Property: 16.37 mills (avg. of 44 service areas), Special: 8% Bed; 8% Rental Car; $1.30 Cigarettes (per pack); 45% Other Tobacco Products.

Air Crossroads of the World

Anchorage has long been located in a very useful place, in a high polar latitude. The frequent flyovers by jet aircraft has earned the city the nickname "Air Crossroads of the World."

Education

Education in Anchorage, Eagle River, Chugiak, Eklutna, Girdwood, Fort Richardson and Elmendorf AFB is managed by the Anchorage School District.

Anchorage has an excellent public school system that is ranked among the finest in the nation. The Anchorage School District is the 81st largest district in the United States, with nearly 50,000 students attending 88 schools.

The district's average SAT and ACT College entrance exam scores are consistently above the national average and Advanced Placement courses are offered at each of the district's high schools. The International Baccalaureate diplome program is also offered in one of the local high schools. The average teacher/student ratio in the district's elementary schools is one teacher to approximately every 25 students.

The district offers a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes the basic communication skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic. The standard program also includes social studies, health, science, and physical education. All students receive a quality education enriched with technology, foreign language, visual and performing arts, and social sciences.

A variety of programs and alternative learning environments meet the needs of the diverse student population. Some examples include ABC (back-to-basics curriculum) and Montessori schools, open-optional programs, foreign-language immersion, vocational/technical training and charter schools. Comprehensive services for bilingual students and students with special needs are also available.

Private schooling offers choice in private education.

Colleges and universities

Ninety percent of Anchorage's adults have high-school diplomas, 65 percent have attended one to three years of college, and 17 percent hold advanced degrees, placing Anchorage among the top metropolitan cities in educational attainment.

Anchorage boasts four excellent higher-education facilities that offer affordable, quality higher education. The University of Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Pacific University are within walking distance of each other, and Charter College and Wayland Baptist University are also located in city limits.

Anchorage also has other higher education facilities: Grainger Leadership Institute; Nine Star Enterprises; CLE Interprises; Nana Worksafe, Inc.; and PackBear DBA Barr & Co.

Culture

Performing arts

Image:Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.jpg Despite the relative remoteness of the location, the city sports a lively arts community. Located next to Town Square Municipal Park in downtown Anchorage, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts [2] is a three-part complex host to many performing arts events. The facility can accommodate more than 3,000 patrons. In 2000, nearly 245,000 people visited 678 public performances. It is home to eight resident performing arts companies and has featured mega-musicals such as CATS, Grease, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and Big River. The center hosts the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra which is a semi professional symphony orchestra. The center also hosts the world famous International Ice Carving Competition as part of the Fur Rendezvous festival in February. There are also weekly sessions of Irish traditional music, Jazz, and other musical scenes.

The Anchorage Concert Association brings 15 to 20 world-class performing arts events to the community each winter, and numerous independent perforance groups.

Museums and art collections

The Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum is a museum with artifacts reflecting Alaska's unique aviation history. The Alaska State Troopers Museum was formed in the late 1960s, and shares the history of the Alaska State Troopers. The Anchorage Fire Department Museum is a museum that relive Anchorage history among the displays of fire-fighting memorabilia, including a vintage 1921 LaFrance fire truck. The Imaginarium is a hands-on Science Discovery Center. The Oscar Anderson House Museum is Anchorage's only house museum established in 1915. The Russian Orthodox Museum [3] is a museum that represents history of the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska. The Wolf Song of Alaska [4] was incorporated in 1988, is a world-class observation facility. The Alaska Museum of Natural History [5] is a non-profit museum that educates exclusively on Alaska's unique geological, cultural, and ecological history.

History art collections are at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, opened in 1968, is a world-class museum. The Heritage Library Museum was established in 1968, and is viewed as one of the largest collections of Alaska artifacts.

Other cultural institutions

Image:Alaska Statehood Monument in Downtown Anchorage.jpg The Alaska Zoo, opened as a children's zoo in 1969, is home to just under 100 birds and mammals. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, opened to the public in 1993, is a refuge for the orphaned, injured wildlife, a non-profit organization. The Alaska Native Heritage Center, opened in 1999, is a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates and shares Alaska Native cultures. The Alaska Botanical Garden contains over 900 species of hardy perennials and 150 native plant species.

Local attractions

The H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark, opened in 2003, is literally and figuratively the hottest spot in Alaska for fun and adventure. Alpenglow at Arctic Valley is a ski resort that is located on Ski Bowl Road in the Chugach State Park near Fort Richardson. The Alyeska Resort is a ski resort that is located in Girdwood. The Hilltop Ski Area is located on the gentle slopes of southeast Anchorage that weave against the base of Chugach State Park. The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage [6] is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting all forms of nordic skiing.

Media

Anchorage's leading newspapers are the Anchorage Daily News [7], the Alaska Star [8], the Insurgent49 [9], the Anchorage Press [10] and the Petroleum News [11].

Anchorage is also well served by television and radio. Anchorage's major network television affiliates are KIMO 13(ABC), KTVA 11(CBS), KAKM 7(PBS), KTBY 4(FOX), KTUU-TV 2(NBC), KYES 5(UPN) and KDMD 33(PAX/Shopping). ARCS: The Alaska Rural Communications Service, which provides some original programming and also "cherry-picks" retransmissions from among the broadcast stations in Anchorage, though usually not KIMO except in very rare occasions (such as Iditarod coverage), to provide television service to remote areas.

Leading radio stations include AM Stations KTZN 550-Clear Channel Communications, KHAR 590, KENI 650-Clear Channel Communications, KBYR 700, KFQD 750 and KUDO 1080. FM Stations KRUA 88.1-University of Alaska, Anchorage, KAKL 88.5-"Positive, Encouraging K-Love", Christian Music, K-Love, EMF Broadcasting, KATB 89.3, KNBA 90.3, KSKA 91.1, KFAT 92.9-New Northwest Broadcasters, KAFC 93.7, KEAG 97.3, KLEF 98.1, KYMG 98.9-Clear Channel Communications, KBFX 100.5- Clear Channel Communications, KGOT 101.3-Clear Channel Communications, KDBZ 102.1-New Northwest Broadcasters, KMXS 103.1, KBRJ 104.1, KNIK 105.7, KWHL 106.5 and KASH 107.5-Clear Channel Communications.

Sports

Anchorage is home to the Alaska Aces of the ECHL hockey league. The Anchorage Bucs Baseball Club is a summer collegiate baseball team, attracting players from universities throughout the world. The Anchorage Glacier Pilots is a member of the National Baseball Congress. Anchorage is also home to the Great Alaska Shootout, an annual college basketball tournament that features colleges from all over the U.S.

The best skijumper from the U.S. the past 15 years is from Anchorage, Alan Alborn. He has finished 4th in a stage of the worldcup in Engelberg, Switzerland and has a 11th place from the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. He also holds the US skiflying record with 221,5 meters from 2002 in Planica, Slovenia.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Image:Anc-downtown-night-1072.jpg Anchorage is usually the starting or ending point of most visitors' Alaska vacations, and it serves as the airline hub for the state. Anchorage is served by many national airlines (primarily Seattle-based Alaska Airlines), as well as a number of international and interstate airlines. The Alaska Railroad offers daily summer service to Seward, Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Fairbanks. These communities are also served by bus line from Anchorage, and rental cars are available from several companies at or near Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, which is just six miles from downtown Anchorage and gives the city its nickname "Air Crossroads of the World." Transportation to downtown Anchorage is convenient by taxicab, airport shuttle or hotel courtesy shuttles. Upon arrival, visitors can stop by the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Information Center or the Alaska Visitors Center for direction. Diamond Airport Parking offers long-term parking with free 24-hour shuttle service to the airport. Cruise passengers with a few hours or a full day to explore Anchorage can store their luggage (and fish) at the airport. The Ship Creek Shuttle connects key downtown Anchorage locations with the Ship Creek area, including stops at the Alaska Railroad Depot. Image:Tourist returning to Anchorage from Denali National Park.jpg Anchorage also has a bus system called People Mover [12], with a central hub in downtown Anchorage and satellite hubs at Dimond Center and Muldoon Mall. People Mover also provides point-to-point van services to seniors and those with disabilities, as well as carpool organization services.

There's only one officially designated Interstate Highway in Anchorage. Unlike the Interstate routes in Hawaii, it is unsigned as such. The route, officially Interstate A-1 runs along the Seward and Glenn Highways. The highway is numbered Alaska State Highway 1. A portion of the Seward Highway, about 10 miles of it (known as the New Seward Highway) is built to freeway standards. The Glenn Highway also built to freeway standards goes northeast from Anchorage, six lanes carrying commuter traffic to and from Eagle River, Chugiak and the Matanuska Valley towns of Palmer and Wasilla. The highway is four lanes from Eagle River to the junction with the Parks Highway (Alaska State Highway 3) near Wasilla. Anchorage's roads and the state's highways are asphalt. They're plowed when necessary in the winter. Highway construction is limited to the warm months, so expect some delays, especially on the highways.

As of 2005, Anchorage has a long-range transportation plan. Building the Highway to Highway Connection is a limited-access highway link between the Glenn and Seward highways could be the backbone that efficiently delivers traffic to many destinations throughout the city.

Today, traffic is heavy all day long 5th-6th Avenues, Ingra and Gambell, and spills into East Anchorage neighborhoods to avoid congestion. In the Fairview, Mountain View and Midtown neighborhoods, the new road link would be dug down, out of sight and covered in some areas to allow easy pedestrian and vehicle access across.

Neighborhoods currently divided and isolated would be reconnected with each other and with downtown.

Once complete, the Gambell and Ingra couplet and other surface streets could be returned to pedestrian friendly main streets.

Highlights of the project: Reduces traffic on city arterial streets by 100,000 vehicles per day; Removes traffic on Mt. View Drive, Bragaw, Lake Otis, 15th, Northern Lights, Tudor, and others; Reduces neighborhood traffic intrusion, air pollution, crashes and noise; Allows easier and safer pedestrian travel in the Fairview, Mt. View and Midtown neighborhoods; Encourages neighborhood investment and development opportunities; Requires phased investment and political/public commitment; Improves efficiency of freigh and goods movement; Capital Cost: $575 million. Details can be found on the Anchorage long-range transportion plan [13], or the Anchorage traffic department [14].

Medical centers and hospitals

Providence Alaska Medical Center on Providence Drive in Anchorage is the largest hospital in Alaska and is part of Providence Health System in Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California. It features the state's most comprehensive range of services. Providence Health System has a history of serving Alaska, beginning when the Sisters of Providence first brought health care to Nome in 1902. As the territory grew during the following decades, so did efforts to provide care. Hospitals were opened in Fairbanks in 1910 and Anchorage in 1937.

Alaska Regional Hospital on DeBarr Road in Anchorage was born in 1963 as Anchorage Presbyterian Hospital, located at 8th and L Street downtown. This predecessor to Alaska Regional was a joint venture between local physicians and the Presbyterian Church. In 1976 the hospital moved to it's present location on DeBarr Road, and is now a 254-bed licensed and accredited facility. Alaska Regional has expanded services and in 1994, Alaska Regional joined with HCA, one of the nation's largest healthcare providers.

Alaska Native Medical Center on Tudor Road, provides medical care and therapeutic health care to Native Alaskans - 229 tribes of Eskimos and Indians - at the Anchorage site and at 15 satellite facilities throughout the state. ANMC specialists also travel to clinics in the bush to provide care. The 150-bed hospital is also a teaching center for the University of Washington's regional medical education program. ANMC houses an office of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and Southcentral Foundation jointly own and manage ANMC.

Utilities

A full complement of utilities is available within the Anchorage area. Two electric companies provide service, depending on where you live within the Municipality of Anchorage. They are: Municipal Light & Power (ML&P) and Chugach Electric Association.

A municipally owned utility since 1932, ML&P supplies high-quality and reliable electric power to more than 30,000 residential and commercial customers in the Anchorage area.

Chugach Electric Association is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative that was formed in 1948.

Most homes have natural gas-fueled heat. ENSTAR Natural Gas Company is the sole provider for Anchorage, servicing some 90-percent of the city's population.

While some homes in Anchorage use private wells and septic systems, the Municipality of Anchorage owns and operates the Water and Wastewater Utility serving an approximate population base of 214,000.

Anchorage Municipal Solid Waste Services and Anchorage Refuse conduct trash removal in the city depending on location.

Shopping and entertainment

Anchorage has restaurants and places to shop. Anchorage 5th Avenue Mall, located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, has 110 stores including Nordstrom, JCPenny and Gap.

There is a full-size family-owned shopping mall in Anchorage: Dimond Center [15] located at the intersection of East Dimond Boulevard and Old Seward Highway is the largest shopping center in Alaska, at 728,000 square feet, with 120,000 square feet of professional office space. The mall is home to over 200 stores and offices and 17 eating establishments, with an ice skating rink, bowling alley, athletic club, library, and Dimond 9 Cinemas. The anchor stores are: Best Buy, Gottschalks, and Old Navy. Lodging is offered by the 109-room Dimond Center Hotel [16].

The Mall at Sears located on East Northern Lights Boulevard has great shopping and food court in the center of town. The Northway Mall is located on Penland Parkway near Airport Heights and the Glenn Highway. Ship Creek Center is a place that has Alaska, Russian gifts, dining, groceries and dancing.

Points of interest

There are features of Anchorage that make it unique: the large tidal range; multiple, beautiful cross-country ski trails; America's highest percentage of licensed airplane pilots (with several airports and landing strips in the city or nearby); a very low population density for a city its size; frequent small earthquakes; spring windstorms ("Chinook winds"); active volcanoes nearby (to the southwest, in the Alaska Range, volcanoes such as Mount Spurr, Augustine Volcano, Mount Redoubt, and others have coated the city with ash in recent years); its extreme youth (it was founded in 1915 but didn't grow much until the 1940s); and much else. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, Anchorage is definitely an American city, replete with a vibrant business climate, large shopping malls, traffic congestion (one can't easily move about by foot and public transportation in the middle of winter), suburban-style subdivisions and two suburbs, Eagle River and Chugiak, unless one counts the massive numbers of commuters who drive from as far away as the Matanuska Valley [17] communities of Wasilla and Palmer.

Anchorage has been named an All America City in the years 1956, 1965, 1984-85 and most recently in 2002. The city won its latest award based on civic activities like the 2001 Special Olympics Winter Games [18] , the Anchorage Youth Court [19], and Bridge Builders [20].

Trivia

Anchorage's position as a stopover on long haul intercontinental flights has earned the city its prized moniker, "The Air Cross Roads of the World."

See also

• South Central Alaska
• Anchorage neighborhood communities
• Port of Anchorage

References

1. ^  Anchorage, Alaska Fact Sheet (United States Census Bureau). URL accessed on December 30, 2005.
2. ^  Anchorage Climate Records List (National Weather Service). URL accessed on December 30, 2005.
3. ^  The Weather Channel (1995-2005). Monthly Climatolgy Graph. URL retrieved on December 30, 2005.
4. ^  Municipality of Anchorage Traffic Department (Long Range Transportation Plan). URL accessed on January 18, 2006.
5. ^  Anchorage Historical Highlights. URL accessed on January 21, 2006.
6. ^  The Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964. URL accessed on January 21, 2006.

External links

• Municipality of Anchorage official site
• Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Alaska Visitors Center
• Alaska.com information
• Anchorage Municipal Libraries
• Anchorage All-America City 2002 Information
• Photographic virtual tour of Anchorage.
• Anchorage Cam (includes camera links)
• National Weather Service Anchorage office
• Maps and aerial photos
  • Street map from Google Local or Yahoo! Maps
  • Topographic map from TopoZone
  • Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA
  • Satellite image from Google Local or Microsoft Virtual Earth

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