S.C. Code Ann. tit. 57, ch. 15

S.C. Code Ann. § 57-15-10 Establishment and operation of ferries and terminals by Department of Transportation and counties.

(A) The Department of Transportation may provide for the establishment, operation, maintenance, and supervision of public ferries connecting parts of the state highway system. (B) The governing body of a county may provide for the establishment, operation, maintenance, and supervision of public ferries connecting parts of public roads located within the county that are not under the control of the department. (C) Where the boundary line between adjoining counties runs though a river or other body of water, the governing bodies of the counties may enter into an agreement providing for the establishment, operation, maintenance, and supervision of public ferries connecting state roads in the counties that are not under control of the department. (D) The department, or a county governing body, may acquire, own, lease, charter, or otherwise control all vessels, boats, terminals, or other facilities required for the proper operation of ferries established and operated pursuant to this section.

S.C. Code Ann. § 57-15-20 Agreements with private entities.

The department and county governing bodies may enter into agreements with private entities to finance, acquire, construct, equip, maintain, or operate public ferries, in whole or in part, in this State.

S.C. Code Ann. § 57-15-30 Contributions to defray operational or maintenance expenses; immunity.

Contributions from private citizens or public or private entities may be made to defray the operational or maintenance expenses of a ferry operated or maintained pursuant to this chapter. Contributors are immune from civil or criminal liability for damages resulting from acts or omissions of the ferry operator.