(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
Wasilla Alaska is a city in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough of Alaska.
As of the 2005 census, the population of the city was 8,471, making it the
largest city in the borough.
Climate
January temperatures range from 4°F to 29°F; July temperatures vary from 47°F to
78°F. The average annual precipitation is 17 inches, with 50 inches of snowfall.
Geography
Wasilla is located midway between the Matanuska Valley and the Susitna Valley,
on the George Parks Highway. It lies between Wasilla Lake and Lake Lucille, 43
highway miles (69 km) northeast of Anchorage, about one hour's drive, and about
10 miles (16 km) west of Palmer.
History
The history of Wasilla begins with the history of Knik, the first boom town in
the Mat-Su Valley, which by 1915 boasted a population of 500. The town served
the early fur trappers and miners working the gold fields at Cache Creek and
Willow Creek.
Wasilla was established in 1917 with the construction of the Alaska Railroad.
Wasilla’s proximity to the gold fields and railroad service lured Knik residents
to relocate in the new town-—some of them even dragging their homes and
businesses with them. In a few short years, Knik became a ghost town. The
current townsite was established in 1917 at the intersection of the Knik-Willow
mining trail and the newly constructed Alaska Railroad. It was a supply base for
gold, notably at Hatcher Pass, and coal mining in the region through World War
II.
The town of Wasilla was incorporated in 1974.
Economy
The local economy is diverse, and residents are employed in a variety of city,
borough, state, federal, retail and professional service positions. Tourism,
agriculture, wood products, steel, and concrete products are part of the
economy. One hundred twenty area residents hold commercial fishing permits.
Approximately 30 percent of the Wasilla workforce commutes to Anchorage Alaska.
Wasilla News
Woman recovering after Cooper Landing bear attack Lani Vin Zant picked up her ringing phone in Wasilla late Wednesday night. The only thing on the line was her 15-year-old daughter Andria, sobbing.
Woman recovering after Cooper Landing bear attack Lani Vin Zant picked up her ringing phone in Wasilla late Wednesday night. The only thing on the line was her 15-year-old daughter Andria, sobbing.
Woman recovering after Cooper Landing bear attack Lani Vin Zant picked up her ringing phone in Wasilla late Wednesday night. The only thing on the line was her 15-year-old daughter Andria, sobbing.
Inside Alaska business Wasilla again wins top financial award
Tourists show up, but next year's a question mark WASILLA -- The summer so far is generally holding steady for tourist-dependent businesses in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, thanks at least in part to a pulse of European travelers drawn by the weak U.S. dollar.
Power company delays test of Knik Arm tidal generator WASILLA -- A tidal generator planned for testing in the Knik Arm this year might not hit the water until 2011, according to project leaders at Ocean Renewable Power Company.
