In order that there may be a local agency of the sort contemplated by the former provisions which created the Advisory Committee for Technical Training, to participate in and receive the benefits of the program contemplated thereby for the counties of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester, there is hereby created the Area Commission for the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Technical Education Center (the Area Commission). The Area Commission shall have the functions and duties hereafter set forth in this article. The Area Commission shall be comprised of nine members - three of whom shall be qualified electors of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties, respectively. The members from each county shall be appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of a majority of the legislative delegations of the respective counties. Of the initial appointees one member from each county shall have a term of one year, one from each county shall have a term of two years, and one from each county shall have a term of three years. Upon the expiration of the initial terms, successors shall be appointed in the manner hereinabove provided for terms of three years. All members shall hold office until their successors shall have been appointed and shall have qualified. In the event of a vacancy, a successor shall be appointed in the manner of original appointments for the remainder of the term for which the vacancy shall be filled. The Area Commission shall meet as soon after appointment as practicable and shall organize by electing a chairman and such other officers as it deems necessary. The Area Commission shall thenceforth meet upon the call of the chairman or a majority of its members. It shall make periodic reports of its activities and progress to the legislative delegation from the counties of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester.

In Berkeley County, appointments made pursuant to this section are governed by the provisions of Act 159 of 1995.

In Dorchester County, appointments made pursuant to this section are governed by the provisions of Act 512 of 1996.