The Grand River is the heart of Grand Rapids, and its revitalization is a project that has been years in the making. The ambitious plan to restore the rapids, improve public safety, and enhance the river’s ecological and recreational potential is finally coming to fruition. This blog post delves into the project’s two primary components—the Lower Reach and Upper Reach—and outlines the significant benefits this initiative will bring to the city and its residents.
Lower Reach: Restoring the Rapids and Enhancing Public Safety
Project Area: Bridge Street to Fulton Street
The Lower Reach of the Grand River, stretching from Bridge Street to Fulton Street, is set to undergo a major transformation. The goal is to restore the rapids that once gave Grand Rapids its name, improve public safety, and enhance the aquatic habitat for native Great Lakes fish and mussel species.
Funding and Design: The project has garnered substantial support, with a combination of public and private funding contributing to its development. To date, $9.8 million has been secured from the State of Michigan, $4.2 million from local governments, and approximately $15 million from private sector contributions. However, an additional $7.7 million in private funding is still needed for construction. The City of Grand Rapids is actively seeking federal funding through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s PL566 watershed protection program, which could potentially cover up to 50% of the construction costs associated with dam removal and habitat restoration.
Design Highlights:
- Dam Removal and Rapids Restoration: The project will remove four dangerous low-head dams, replacing them with two channel-wide grade control structures made of rock, boulder, and alluvium. These structures are designed to replicate the natural channel design principles desired by Michigan’s regulatory agencies.
- Habitat Improvement: Over 125 habitat boulders will be strategically placed to enhance aquatic habitat and flow diversity. These boulders will also create whitewater, replicating the historic rapids of the Lower Reach.
- Recreational Enhancements: The design includes three j-hook structures at the river edges to create slower water segments, enhancing access and use for recreational activities such as angling, wading, tubing, canoeing, and kayaking. While the previously proposed “standing whitewater wave features” have been removed from the plan, the overall design will still offer opportunities for whitewater paddling at certain river flows.
- Fish Passage and Habitat: The project will significantly improve fish passage and available spawning habitat, supporting the sustainability of native species in the river.
Permitting and Timeline: Permit applications for the Lower Reach were submitted in May 2024, with a public notice period running from July 17 to August 6, 2024. A virtual public hearing was held on August 5, 2024, to gather community input. Pending state and federal permit approvals, mussel relocation is expected to begin in mid-August 2024, with in-river construction slated to start in July 2025.
Upper Reach: Public Safety and Environmental Impact
Project Area: Ann Street to Bridge Street
The Upper Reach of the Grand River will focus on public safety, flood control, sea lamprey control, fish passage, and recreation. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) will lead the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) process to evaluate feasible alternatives for constructing a new barrier to control invasive sea lampreys, replacing the aging Sixth Street Dam.
EIS Process and Funding: The EIS process began in 2019 but was paused to prioritize the Lower Reach project. Once permits for the Lower Reach are secured, the EIS process will resume. The GLFC, with support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will evaluate multiple project alternatives. Over $20 million in federal funding has already been committed to constructing a new lamprey barrier, ensuring that international sea lamprey control objectives continue to be met on the Grand River.
Project Benefits: Economic, Environmental, and Recreational
The Revitalize the Rapids project is more than just a restoration effort; it is a catalyst for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and recreational development in Grand Rapids. By removing dangerous dams, improving river access, and creating new opportunities for water-based activities, this project will breathe new life into the Grand River corridor.
Economic Impact: The revitalization of the Grand River is expected to boost commerce and add vibrancy to downtown Grand Rapids. Improved river access and use will create new business opportunities and support existing businesses along the river.
New Recreational Opportunities: The project will introduce a diverse range of recreational activities, from paddle boarding and kayaking to angling and rafting. These improvements will make the Grand River more accessible to all residents, enhancing the visual, aesthetic, and audible experience of the riverfront.
Equity and Inclusion: A key component of the project is its focus on equity and inclusion. By embedding these principles into every aspect of the revitalization effort, the project aims to ensure that all residents, regardless of background, can enjoy and benefit from the restored Grand River.
Looking Ahead
As the Lower Reach project moves closer to breaking ground and the Upper Reach EIS process resumes, the Grand River is on the verge of a transformation that will impact the city for generations to come. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey to restore the rapids and revitalize the heart of Grand Rapids.