An underwater survey is planned of the Grand River between Grand Rapids and the Bass River Recreation Area ahead of a possible dredging effort.
The Grand Rapids Press reports the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget has approved spending $100,000 to map the river bottom as a first step toward dredging the 22.5-mile stretch of the Lower Grand River.
Dan Hibma, a developer spearheading the dredging push, is partnering on an effort to make the Lower Grand River navigable for recreational boaters between Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan. Hibma says the study could start in January, weather permitting.
The state Department of Natural Resources is in the early stages of developing a 250-mile long recreational water trail on the Grand River.