A long talked about project--that will change the way the Grand River flows through downtown Grand Rapids, as reached another crucial step in the process as officials begin a public comment period Wednesday evening.
The project is called “Restore the Rapids,” and essentially, it’s an idea to restore the Grand River back to its natural form: a roaring white water river that the city originally derives its name from.
The process requires removing 4 dams between Ann Street and Fulton Street in downtown Grand Rapids. Roughly 150 years ago, the 4 dams were put in place after the Civil War, so that logging companies could float lumber down the Grand River with ease, which in turn helped Grand Rapids become known as “furniture city USA” back in the late 19th century.
Now, with the city’s blessing and partnership, efforts are underway to revitalize how residents access the water, including restoring the rapids back to the Grand River.
Matt Chapman, is the project manager for Grand Rapids WhiteWater, the organization spearheading the effort….
“I think that we are blessed because we have so many trails and riverfront parks,” Chapman said. “But we have so much more that we can do,” he said.
In order for that to happen, the project begins a key point in the process known as the cultural resource mitigation plan—and specifically what to do with the dams once they are removed. Are they just junk, or do they have historical significance when it comes to the city’s identity over the past century and a half?
The public comment period beginning Wednesday aims to address that, as its just the latest step in project that has been discussed now for a decade.
Chapman says, he hopes if all goes to plan, work could begin by next year.
