Gov. Beverly Perdue has signed a pact with her counterparts in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

The South Atlantic Alliance will help each state protect its coastal resources and help communities react to disasters such as hurricanes. The states would pool resources to help with economic development, environmental protection and disaster preparedness.

The alliance was Perdue, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist.

"All four governors realize that we are facing considerable challenges to sustain our coastal resources for future generations," Beverly Perdue said in a news release. "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.