[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 20, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E387-E388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER OF CURTIS MEEDER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARK S. CRITZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2012

  Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate a skilled engineer, 
devoted public servant and faithful patriot, on a distinguished 33-year 
career with the Army Corps of Engineers.
  On March 31st, 2012, Curtis Meeder will retire from the Corps to 
begin a new chapter in his life. Since 1979, he has used his extensive 
knowledge of economics and water resources management to improve the 
navigability of our Nation's waterways, to aid in disaster relief 
efforts and to reduce the risk of flooding in our local communities.
  Curt began his career with the Corps in the Detroit District as an 
economist and water resources planner. From there, he went on to work 
as a study coordinator and technical reviewer in the North Central 
Division for 5 years, and then as a supervisor in the St. Paul District 
for 6 years.
  Since moving to Pennsylvania in 1988 to work out of the Pittsburgh 
District, Curt has taken leadership roles in a number of projects

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aimed at improving existing water navigation systems, including the 
Upper Ohio Navigation Study, the Nation's largest such study on an 
inland river system. He has also demonstrated a clear commitment to 
helping communities in need. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, he 
served two deployments in New Orleans, during which he coordinated 
requests for Federal debris removal assistance with parish and local 
municipal officials, monitored contractor curb-side collection from 
private properties, and worked with regulatory agencies to reduce the 
environmental impacts of disposal operations.
  Currently, Curt serves as the Pittsburgh District's Chief of Planning 
and Environmental Branch. One of his most critical responsibilities in 
this capacity is to be a leader in the Corps' public outreach efforts. 
He has demonstrated a flair for concise and effective communication in 
his interactions with private citizens, regional organizations and 
government agencies. He consistently articulates esoteric engineering 
concepts and flood repair processes in easily understandable terms.
  Curt's laudable service has earned him a number of well-deserved Army 
Civilian Service honors. These include the Superior Civilian Service 
Award; two Commander's Awards for Civilian Service; and three 
Achievement Medals for Civilian Service.
  Mr. Speaker, I have worked closely with Curtis for over a decade. 
He's a first-class public servant whose experiences and expertise will 
surely be missed.
  I wish Curt the best of luck as he transitions into retirement. I 
share in the pride that his devoted wife Cindy and two sons feel in his 
accomplishments, and have the utmost confidence that he will continue 
to be successful in whatever he chooses to do next.

                          ____________________