Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) is being asked to form an "emergency" task force to examine migration out of Alaska Native villages.

Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich and Anchorage school superintendent Carol Comeau said more than 400 new Native students have enrolled in city schools this fall. Some families are moving because the cost of living in villages is too high.

Officials are concerned that Native families will need help with housing, employment, food and transportation. A letter to Palin said the state "cannot stand by and tolerate the deterioration of rural Alaska," The Anchorage Daily News reported.

Begich, a Democrat, is running against Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), who is under trial in Washington, D.C., for corruption.

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Bush costs prompt exodus to cities (The Anchorage Daily News 9/30)
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