"For the local merchants it's a shot in the arm," Miller said.

Gov. Frank Murkowski announced this year's check amount at the annual Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. dinner Sept. 20 in Anchorage. Alaska residents who meet requirements for the money derived from oil revenues will receive $1,106.96 this year.

"We definitely see a boost to our local economy," Juneau Downtown Business Association President Ann House said. "Statewide you see an effort to persuade residents in some manner to spend their permanent fund, whether it is on clothes, art, education or trips."

For young families, the dividend can be a substantial part of their annual income because of Juneau's high cost of living, Miller said.

"Depending on income for a family of four, the permanent fund could make a few percent to 15 percent of the total income," he said.

The dividend money often circulates back into the economy, whether it is for basic needs or for luxury items or vacations, Miller said.

The influx of money can hold even more weight for Juneau's neighboring communities, where high-paying jobs can be more difficult to come by, Miller said.

"In some rural areas where it is really more of a cash economy, it can be as much as 40 percent" of the annual household income, he said. "So it is important in that respect."

This year's dividend check marks the first increase in six years. Last year's payout of $845.76 was the lowest since 1988.

The second round of direct deposits will take place on Oct. 19, and checks will be mailed on Nov. 14.

The PFD checks bring an added energy to the community each fall, House said.