(AP) -- Some local government officials are worried about bills introduced in the South Carolina Legislature to give the state more control over airports.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head Island reports the bills would move the Aeronautics Division to state Transportation Department and increase the agency's authority to regulate land use around airports.

That means the state agency could regulate the cutting of trees and runway length without local approval.

Officials on Hilton Head worry the changes conflict with town ordinances limiting the local airport's runway length to 5,000 feet and the cutting of trees nearby. The bills are part of efforts to reduce duplication of services.

Local officials say the bills are unlikely to pass this year, but they worry the measures could gain momentum for next year.

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