BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Gov. Bob Riley launched a four-state agreement Monday aimed at consolidating forces to create a world-class aerospace program on the Gulf and a united political front in securing Northrop Grumman Corp.’s proposal to build refueling tanker planes in Mobile.

The Aerospace Alliance incorporates public and private sectors in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Northwest Florida in what Riley called an “aerospace corridor  which rivals anywhere in the world.”

Governors Haley Barbour of Mississippi and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana have endorsed the program which will promote common assets and include business leaders, economic development professionals and government officials.

Riley said the first priority was to secure the tanker contract proposal. Competition for the contract earlier was  halted by the U.S. Department of Defense for a review,  then restarted a few weeks ago.

A spokesman for Northrop Grumman said a contract award should be decided by next summer.

Several hundred people, including politicians and business leaders from all four states, attended the announcement at Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette.

“There will be 48,000 American jobs created if we build planes in the Southeast,” Riley said. “Some critics are talking loud about how one section of the country should be favored over another.

“But our opponents know this is the best solution. We are competitive with any place in the world, but we can’t do it alone. We will have enough influence in four states.”

Riley said “erasing state lines” will benefit the region which already has 700 aerospace companies.

Barbour, speaking via a satellite hookup, said Gulf Coast states already contain one of the largest aerospace corridors in the world, and that the alliance will prompt growth.

“We will be very proud if the tanker facility is built in Mobile, our sister city,” Barbour said.

“Perhaps the best asset is our work force. When you choose our work force, you don’t have to worry about them being on strike when the country needs them.”

The Aerospace Alliance is a 501(c)(6) private organization which includes business leaders, economic development professionals and government officials.

Their mission is “to establish the Gulf Coast and surrounding region as a world class aerospace and aviation corridor.”

For more information, go to the alliance Website at aerospacealliance.com.