WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., and the other members of the Louisiana delegation yesterday wrote a letter to President Barack Obama requesting that the Office of Gulf Coast Rebuilding be extended for at least two years. The office was created by executive order in November 2005 to focus on the Gulf Coast's recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It is set to expire February 28, 2009.

"While most of the country is focused on economic stimulus and housing issues, the need for housing recovery, aid to small businesses, and infrastructure investment are particularly critical for our region of the country still undergoing major recovery efforts," the delegation wrote. "In the New Orleans metropolitan area particularly, the status of the recovery is delicate and its success will largely depend on the federal government's continued participation. It is critical that you have a coordinating effort inside the White House solely dedicated to completing the Gulf Coast's recovery."

President Obama has already signaled his commitment to Gulf Coast recovery, pledging on the White House Web site to "partner with the people of the Gulf Coast to rebuild now, stronger than ever." He has also promised to improve the federal government's emergency planning and response mechanisms.

"We ask that you extend the Office of Gulf Coast Rebuilding by Executive Order for at least two more years, and that you strengthen and refocus its role and authority so it can optimally coordinate recovery efforts between HUD, FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, SBA, the Department of Transportation, and other relevant federal agencies," the letter continued. "The rebuilding and reemergence of the New Orleans area, southwest Louisiana, and the rest of the Gulf is critical to the well-being not only of those residents, but to the entire country."

A full copy of the letter to President Obama is available here.