Community Sustainability Model, Phase 3: Hooper Bay, Scammon Bay, Chevak
The purpose of the Community Sustainability Study initiative is to evaluate the feasible options for adjacent communities to share public services and/or infrastructure in order to better support community sustainability.
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Community Sustainability Model Phase 3 plan is the last of three community sustainability models developed by Nuvista and its contractors with funding from a grant from the State of Alaska, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) and is managed by the Division of Community and Regional Affairs (DCRA). The goal of the community sustainability models was to evaluate the desire, potential, and costs associated with consolidating public services and infrastructure projects – creating economies of scale, reducing costs, and improving basic core shared services among closely located communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (YK) Delta.
This plan is intended to identify the potential for shared projects, facilities or services among the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta communities of Chevak, Hooper Bay and Scammon Bay, with the intention of reducing operations and maintenance costs of these services or otherwise improving life in the three communities. This report analyzes the current trends, issues, services and infrastructure in these sectors: Community and Regional Coordination, Education, Economic and Workforce Development, Transportation, Health and Sanitation (Water, Sewer, Landfill), Housing and Construction, Energy and Bulk Fuel.
Data was collected from various local, regional, state and federal agencies. As data gaps were identified, the outcome and methodology was modified as needed. This report also explores the potential options for improvement of services where basic service and infrastructure was not available. Profiles were created for each populated community to show the current levels of community services and infrastructure for key sectors. All potential projects or shared services/infrastructure were analyzed through a feasibility filter that took into account prioritization among local community leadership. Funding Strategies for the most feasible options were created to help with future efforts to implement the options. Two to three site visits were made to each of the three communities, and interviews were conducted with local leaders, regional organizations and state and federal agencies to compile the data and determine the most feasible options for tri-community action.