SC Bill Renames Charleston County Aviation Authority

The governing structure of Charleston’s aviation infrastructure has officially transitioned to a new identity. Under the mandates of 2025-2026 Bill 522, the Charleston County Airport District has been renamed the Charleston Regional Airport District, and the Charleston County Aviation Authority has become the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority.

According to records from the South Carolina General Assembly, this legislative shift was designed to modernize the nomenclature of the region’s aviation entities. While the name changes reflect a broader regional scope, the core legal functions of the district as a political subdivision of the state remain intact. The bill, which was introduced in the Senate on April 1, 2025, and subsequently moved to the House on April 23, 2025, reached its final legal milestone when it was approved by the Governor on May 8, 2025.

The structure of the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority

The rebranding is accompanied by a clearly defined governance model that ensures local municipal leaders maintain a direct hand in airport operations. The Charleston Regional Aviation Authority is composed of seven members, structured to balance state-level appointments with local civic representation.

On #NationalLawEnforcementDay, we honor and thank the Charleston County Aviation Authority Police Department (CCAAPD) for their dedication, service, and commitment to keeping CHS safe. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, and we appreciate all you do for our community. Today we… pic.twitter.com/9Q6qUz2j2h

— https://x.com/iflyCHS/status/1877445334214881672

The composition of the seven-member board is broken down as follows:

Two members appointed by the Governor, following recommendations from a majority of the Charleston County House Delegation.
Two members appointed by the Governor, following recommendations from a majority of the Charleston County Senators.
One member appointed by the Governor, following recommendations from the City Council of Charleston and the County Council of Charleston.
The Mayor of the City of Charleston, serving as an ex officio member.
The Chairman of the Charleston County Council, serving as an ex officio member.

The General Assembly explicitly noted in the text of the act that the successful operation of the airport system has a “distinct relation to the welfare” of both the City and the County of Charleston. By including the Mayor and the County Council Chairman as ex officio members, the law ensures that those responsible for municipal government are directly involved in the authority’s management.

Governance terms and administrative duties

The authority operates with a specific cycle of leadership to ensure continuity. Members appointed by the Governor serve four-year terms. These terms officially commence on the first day of the month following the Governor’s approval of the act. In the event of a vacancy, the law dictates that replacements are appointed using the same process as the original appointments and will only serve the remainder of the unexpired term.

Beyond administrative oversight, the act outlines the financial and logistical parameters for board members. Members are entitled to the standard per diem, mileage, and subsistence allowed by law for members of state boards, commissions, and committees. They are also permitted to claim actual and necessary expenses incurred while performing their duties under the act.

This legislative update, ratified on May 6, 2025, marks a formal evolution in how Charleston manages its connection to the global aviation network. The shift from “County” to “Regional” in the official titles of both the District and the Authority signals a recognition of the airport’s role as a critical economic engine for the entire surrounding area, rather than just a local municipal asset.