EXHIBIT 16

March 12, 2004

Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549

Gentlemen:

We have read Item 4 of Form 8-K dated March 11, 2004, of Valero L.P. and are in agreement with the statements contained in the second paragraph therein. We have no basis to agree or disagree with other statements of the registrant contained therein.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP