SCAA
Legislative EffortsSouth Carolina Aviation Association actively promotes aviation growth through airport development and safety to meet the air transportation and economic development needs of South Carolina.
Thank you to our legislative sponsors!

Promoting Aviation Legislative Efforts in South Carolina
2023 Focus
Airport Infrastructure Investment
Funding is needed to assist Airports in South Carolina stay competitive with neighboring states. Both Commercial Service and General Aviation Airports are critical to the state’s economic development activities.
The 2018 Economic Impact Study conducted by the SC Aeronautics Commission concluded that South Carolina Airports support annual economic activity estimated at $16.3 billion and $656 million in annual tax revenue. Commercial Service Airports have more than $15.3 billion in annual economic impact and $617 million in annual tax revenue. General Aviation (GA) Airports have more than $1 billion in annual economic impact and $39 million in annual tax revenue.
Airports that transport people and cargo do not receive significant funding like other transportation modalities such as ports and rail. SC Aeronautics Commission leans heavily on FAA matching fund programs for airport planning, construction, and maintenance, and works to ensure that federal matching requirements are met to keep current and multi-year projects on track. How- ever, critical updates and new construction needs outweigh federal funding levels. The Commission was allocated $40 million for development at the state’s six commerical service airports in 2023, yet commercial service airport requests totaled $210.6 million for projects––such as terminal ex- pansion and cargo apron expansion––that attract new business and jobs to each region.
Thank you to our members, to our partners at SC Aeronautics, and to our legislators for seeing the value in supporting South Carolina’s airport system and keeping our state competitive in the Southern Region!
SCAA Legislative Accomplishments
- In 2023, SCAA advocated for airport infrastructure investment. Effective July 1, 2023, $20 million was included in the state budget.
- In 2022, SCAA advocated for a one-time funding appropriation in the state’s budget to keep South Carolina airports competitive in the Southeast Region. Effective July 1, 2022, $53 million was included in the state budget, the largest state investment in aviation ever seen.
- for In 2021, SCAA advocated for an amendment to the State Aviation Fund, directing all airline property tax revenue to the Fund. Senate Bill 675 passed and was signed into law by Governor Henry McMaster.
- SCAA was an active proponent for the line item in the state’s budget for airport funding.
- SCAA was involved in the legislative effort that led to the restoration of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission.
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