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Situated at the head of Passage Canal, the community of Whittier is approximately 58 miles southeast of Anchorage. Whittier is by far the most visited gateway to the mesmerizing wilderness of Prince William Sound. Each summer, thousands of visitors arrive at this magnificent port by ship, train, or automobile.
The 218 distinguished citizens of Whittier are waiting with open arms to share this incredible gem of the Alaskan frontier and regale you with our stories of first hand experiences which come from living in a land like no other.
There is no describing the 22 hours of daylight we enjoy each summer. There is not a bad seat in the house. As you enter Whittier from North America's longest tunnel, the panoramic view of the ocean, mountains and glaciers surround you.
Our sea side village is home to an exciting array of wildlife. If you are a birder, come enjoy our world class collection of raptors such as the Bald Eagle, Great Gray Owl, and the elusive Peregrine Falcon. Whittier boasts the largest Kittiwake bird rookery population in the North Pacific. Read More ยป
Sincerely
Mayor Daniel Blair
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About Whittier
This area originally was part of the portage route for the Chugach Natives of Prince William Sound traveling to fish the Turnagain Arm. Later the Russians and Americans exploring the region also used this passage. It was used by prospecting miners during the gold rush as it was the quickest passage from the Sound to the Cook Inlet and Interior regions. The city itself is a historical area, established by the U.S. Army during World War II. The Federal railroad to Portage was completed in 1943 and became the primary debarkation point for cargo, troops, and dependents of the Alaska Command.
In 1948 the military began construction of the first of two buildings for their military personnel as the Port of Whittier was then recognized as an ice-free, deepwater port strategically located to Anchorage and Interior Alaska. This remained active until 1960 at which time the total population was 1200.
The City of Whittier was incorporated in 1969. Today, less than 300 people reside in the town supporting the Alaska State Ferry, the Alaska Railroad, freight barge, commercial fishing, the Whittier Harbor, recreation and tourism with an annual visiting population of over 700,000.
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The City of Whittier is constructing a 33,000 sf Public Safety Facility at the corner of Eastern Avenue and Whittier Street. The three story building will be finished out on the first floor to house the Whittier Volunteer Fire Department, the Police Department and the Public Works Department. The second floor will not be finished out in the first phase other than the storage mezzanine for the Public Works Department. The third floor will be partially finished to house the City Council Chambers. This level of completion allows the current Public Works building to be emptied enabling the City to start advertising for buyers or leasees.
Lawrence Peek is the building Architect and SR Bales is the general contractor.
As of August 19th the foundation work has been completed and the entire site has been backfilled for access. The metal building framework is now being installed as can be seen in the photo here. The most recent construction schedule has the building enclosed by October 14 and the exterior windows and doors installed by December 14. The contractor hopes to pour the first floor concrete slab by the middle of November and the final close out of the project is set for May 24, 2017.
Video and photographic records will be kept online and available for all to see. Updates will be made several times a week and will include still photos, time lapse and real time videos as well as drone flyover videos.
