Annexation Has Darien Thinking Big

New businesses and more jobs are envisioned for a tract along I-95


City of Darien, GA: At the Regular Meeting of the Darien City Council on February 17, 2009, The Branigar Organization, Sustainable Forests LLC (collectively the “International Paper Entities”), Mrs. Martha W. Newberry, and the City of Darien submitted a joint petition for annexation of their properties into the City of Darien. Comprising approximately 1,976.7 acres and located north of the City on U.S. Highway 17, the request was submitted under the 100% method in accordance with Georgia Law.

The petition included provisions for a Water and Sewer Agreement to be entered into by the City with the International Paper Entities to secure utility service for their lands, completing a land exchange with International Paper that would allow for the relocation of “Edenfield Airfield” from its current location to a new location on the east side of U.S. Highway 17, and transferring 15.3 acres to the City for future sewage treatment plant expansion.

“Our planning was driven by the need to access City utilities so the property could realize its highest and best use,” said William C. Burgstiner, International Paper’s Georgia Project Manager.

The Darien City Council accepted the documents for a 1st Reading and further study. The Council will schedule a 2nd Reading and Action for its next Regular Meeting on March 17, 2009.

The proposed annexation and land exchange is seen as complimenting the City’s long-term vision of promoting tourism and economic development, which began in 2007 with the annexation of 20 square miles of marshland to the south.

“We see this as a Win-Win situation for the citizens of Darien and McIntosh County, as well as International Paper,” said Darien Mayor Kelly Spratt. “It will allow us to build a modern cargo and general aviation airport, which will compliment the McIntosh County Industrial Park. This will encourage commercial development and create new jobs for our citizens in the logistics industry. Logistics jobs are some of the best-paying jobs anywhere. We look forward to working with the McIntosh County Leadership to enhance the quality of life for all our citizens.”


For Interviews or Additional Information:

Mike Vaquer, International Paper - (912) 655-3748

Darien Mayor Kelly Spratt – (912) 399-6002

Darien City Manager C. Brett Cook – (912) 437-6686

Article posted February 24, 2009.

(See the article published in the Jacksonville Florida Times Union)