Senate panel forwards Thomas Limehouse nomination to State Ports Authority after unanimous vote

Thomas A. Limehouse, an attorney from Charleston and former governor's counsel, received a unanimous favorable report from the South Carolina Senate Transportation Committee on his nomination to the State Ports Authority.

Limehouse introduced himself and described his ties to the Lowcountry and Mount Pleasant, saying he has lived "within earshot of the Wando Terminal for, let's say, 75% or more of my life." He told the committee he was honored to be appointed by the governor and that he wrapped up his tenure on the governor's staff last September.

Committee members questioned Limehouse about his background and potential conflicts. Mr. Owens asked routine vetting questions and confirmed Limehouse had disclosed a municipal noise‑ordinance violation from about 20 years ago and otherwise reported no arrests, tax liens, bankruptcies or ethics actions. Senators asked about geographic representation on the Ports Authority board; a senator from Charleston told the nominee that having members familiar with Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties was important given local terminal impacts such as congestion and occasional incidents involving containers or oversized loads. Limehouse said he understands local impacts and does not plan to move from the area.

After questions, a motion was made and seconded to report the nomination favorably; the committee voted by voice and approved forwarding Limehouse's name to the Clerk of the South Carolina Senate for consideration by the full Senate.

Next step: The nomination will be considered by the full Senate at an appropriate time; the committee did not set a floor calendar date.