Senator Ben Watson and Representative Jesse Petrea Release Statement on Proposed City of Chatham Islands

ATLANTA (January 14, 2020) | Sen. Ben Watson (R – Savannah) and Rep. Jesse Petrea (R – Savannah) released the following statement on proposed legislation that would create the City of Chatham Islands:

“During the last legislative session, we allowed for a thorough vetting of the issue of incorporation by the people of the Chatham Islands of Wilmington, Whitmarsh, Talahi and Oatland.

“We announce today that we will not pass any measure allowing for a vote on incorporation of the Chatham Islands. The citizens of these islands have expressed their objection to incorporation. Indeed, over 50 percent of the citizens of Oatland Island alone have expressed objection.

“The proposed cityhood measure fails to reach unanimous approval from all islands involved. Accordingly, there will be no movement on this bill during the 2020 legislative session.” 

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For Immediate Release:

Andrew Allison, Acting Director

Andrew.Allison@senate.ga.gov

404.656.0028