Alaska community members consider secession from Anchorage

CHUGIAK-EAGLE RIVER, Alaska (AP) – Residents of an Alaska district are discussing the possibility of leaving the municipality of Anchorage to form their own local government.

The Chugiak-Eagle River Star reported Wednesday that more than 100 people attended an informational meeting Friday to discuss what organizers are calling “EaglExit.”

A group member who spoke at the meeting says EaglExit was formed by citizens who believe Chugiak-Eagle River has a right to self-determination.

Members say Chugiak-Eagle River does not have adequate representation on the Anchorage Assembly or the Anchorage School Board.

Backers say they need $100,000 for a feasibility study to create a municipality separate from Anchorage consisting of the communities of Eagle River, Chugiak, Peters Creek, Eklutna, and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

The group says a Texas conservative organization is collecting donations on its behalf.