Nearly three years after Katrina, Mayor Ray Nagin will accept an award tonight for his leadership of New Orleans recovery.

WWL-TV

Mayor Nagin

That award has generated plenty of talk controversy. 

A group called the "Excellence in Recovery Host Committee" will honor Nagin with what it's calling the "Award of Distinction for Recovery, Courage and Leadership."

U.S. Army Lt. General Russell Honore is scheduled to present the mayor with the award at a private party being held tonight in a penthouse of the Ritz Carlton.

The event is called "A Tribute to the Recovery of New Orleans," and it's being hosted by Bernardo Wade, Nagin's personal photographer.

When word of the award leaked out, it triggered outcry from some residents who are highly critical of the city's recovery as well as the mayor's stewardship of the city since Katrina.

Friday morning the mayor said that he has won several awards during his time in office and that he feels critics are confused by the purpose of tonight's festivities.

Nagin said several individuals and groups will be honored tonight, including members of the Hispanic and Asian communities in New Orleans as well as first responders and a faith-based organization.

When asked why he thought this has generated some controversy, Nagin said it seems as if controversy is the norm these days and that with the third Katrina anniversary days away, it's important for the city to quote "celebrate something."