Four-state alliance could be profitable

Our Voice

By: Hickory Daily Record Editorial | Hickory Daily Record
Published: October 21, 2009

The South Atlantic Alliance formed by North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida is a good idea and reminiscent of regional pacts that were created in the past.

This alliance is aimed primarily at preserving and expanding coastal resources, resources the four states depend on for business and tourism.

The deal was signed by Govs. Bev Perdue, Mark Sanford of South Carolina, Charlie Crist of Florida and Sonny Perdue of Georgia.

"All four governors realize that we are facing considerable challenges to sustain our coastal resources for future generation, Bev Perdue said. "This alliance will enable us to work together to protect our ocean environment and the health and economic well-being of the people dependent on those resources."

Coastal erosion and the damage left by hurricanes are pressing issues. There are wildlife areas to protect, tourism dollars to consider and a burgeoning industry that runs from port traffic to individual fishermen.

Cutting through the abundance of words, the main points of the pact are:

• Healthy ecosystems

• Working waterfronts

• Clean coastal and ocean waters

• Disaster-resilient communities

The four cornerstones of the alliance address quality of life and the necessity of thriving coastal areas in each state's economic health.

We are pleased to see business being given a priority. Each state has demonstrated that business and environmentalism can be maintained together.

The Atlantic and Gulf coasts are still attractive to investment, and there is money to be earned while keeping a high degree of protection for fragile wetlands.

This kind of regional commitment and cooperation could be a boon for all concerned. Just as cities and counties are finding cooperative ventures necessary for economic stability, so should states look for ways to pool resources for the common good.

This attitude would have been helpful when North Carolina gave the go-ahead to moving water from the Catawba River Basin. But interstate ramifications were not figured into the equation, and North Carolina and South Carolina are embroiled in litigation.

The alliance could be profitable for the four states. But equanimity must rule. If one state perceives it is the poor relation in the pact, the agreement could become a wedge instead of a unifier.

For more on the South Atlantic Alliance, go to www.southatlanticalliance.org.