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Grand River restoration project receives EGLE approval for lower reach

Rendering of completed restoration of the lower reach.
City of Grand Rapids
/
Grand Rapids WhiteWater
Rendering of completed restoration

The Grand River restoration project is one step closer to realization after the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy approved a revised permit application

The city, in partnership with nonprofit group Grand Rapids WhiteWater, submitted the revised permit application in March for a modified design of the lower reach of the Grand River through downtown. This lower reach extends from just north of Bridge Street south to Fulton Street.

Proposed work on this lower reach includes removing four low head dams and installing approximately 20,000 tons of natural rocks and boulders in the river.

State approval through EGLE now allows the city to begin the bidding process for the construction contract with in-river construction expected to start this summer.

The city’s design team is working with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service on final approval of a Watershed Project Plan/Environmental Assessment. That assessment will determine the level of federal funding the Conservation Service will provide to the project. That decision is expected this spring.

Restoration on the lower reach is expected to take two construction seasons to complete.

Dave joined WGVU Public Media in November of 2023 after eighteen years as a Michigan Association of Broadcasters Emmy-nominated photojournalist and editor at Grand Rapids' WOOD TV8 and three years at WEYI TV25 in Flint, Michigan. As a General Assignment Reporter, Dave covers daily news and community events all over West Michigan.
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