[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 108 (Monday, July 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       CONGRATULATING KURT ZWIKL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RYAN A. COSTELLO

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 13, 2015

  Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a 
community leader who has worked tirelessly to transform the Schuylkill 
River Heritage Area into a prime destination for outdoor recreation as 
well as a definitive source of historical information about the 
significance of this scenic waterway, which flows from the heart of 
Pennsylvania's anthracite coal region to the City of Philadelphia.
   Kurt Zwikl has spent the past 12 years as executive director of the 
Schuylkill River Heritage Area. He retired from the Pottstown-based 
non-profit organization on June 30th.
   Thanks to his ability to foster community partnerships and his 
tireless advocacy, Kurt has expanded the number of miles available to 
bikers and walkers along the Schuylkill River Trail. Eventually, 
families and residents will be able to enjoy a unified, 130-mile trail 
system stretching from Schuylkill County to Philadelphia.
   A partnership with neighboring Montgomery County Community College 
enabled the Schuylkill River Heritage Area to open the River of 
Revolutions Interpretive Center in Pottstown in 2012.
   Students from local schools and tourists from around the world can 
view exhibits and discover how the Schuylkill River has helped secure 
our independence, fueled our prosperity and inspired stewardship and a 
deep appreciation for preserving irreplaceable natural resources.
   And earlier this month, nearly 200 outdoor enthusiasts paddled 112 
miles from Schuylkill Haven Island to Philadelphia during the 
``Schuylkill River Soujourn.'' This is an event that has grown each 
year under Kurt's leadership.
   Mr. Speaker, I want to express my gratitude for Kurt Zwikl's 
tremendous accomplishments as executive director of the Schuylkill 
River Heritage Area--all of which have improved the public's access to 
and appreciation of the river and reinvigorated community pride in this 
amazing natural resource.

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