Katrina's federal heroes.(Hurricane Katrina, 2005)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, there has been much finger pointing and blaming of federal authorities regarding slow and/or inadequate emergency response. However, on behalf of the members of the American Association of Port Authorities, including the dozen or so Gulf Coast seaports most impacted by the storm, I would like to point out several federal agencies that should be recognized as heroes in the struggle to save lives, mobilize relief services and supplies, prevent additional property losses and keep America's commerce moving.

Within hours of the hurricane's departure from the Gulf, public port authorities from Louisiana to Florida began working around the clock; first to assist in the search and rescue effort, then to assess damage to their marine facilities, harbors and …