States plan to work together

South Carolina will work with its neighboring states on coastal issues such as marine life, erosion, pollution and economics.

A newly formed Governors' South Atlantic Alliance Partnership that includes North Carolina, Georgia and Florida will focus on sustaining natural resources that support the region, as well as historical, cultural and social heritage.

Under the agreement, the states would work together on expensive projects, such as integrating the monitoring and mapping of the South Atlantic, and finding common solutions to ecosystem and national defense issues, according to a release.

"We've got a lot of common issues and, of course, common waters," said Ben Fox, Gov. Mark Sanford's press secretary.

The partnership is expected to be formally announced today at 4:15 p.m. at the Embassy Suites, 337 Meeting St.

The states have faced common issues, such as development and pollution, protecting marine mammals while allowing shipping and naval operations, promoting tourism and permitting onshore and offshore industries.

The partnership will be composed of steering and issue groups representing government, academic, advocacy and private stakeholders, modeled after the federal South Atlantic Marine Fishery Commission. It is planned to operate by consensus.

The partnership was the idea of a former environmental agency officer in North Carolina , stemming from U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy recommendations in the early 2000s.

That commission called for the creation of a national policy council to coordinate state, regional and federal regulators and councils.

Reach Bo Petersenat 937-5744 or bpetersen@postandcourier.com.