The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service authorized more than $11 million from the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program.
All funding is now in place for restoring the rapids, improving aquatic habitat for native species like fish and mussels, and enhancing recreational use. The project is financed through a mix of state grants, city funds and contributions from nonprofit group Grand Rapids Whitewater.
Last month Grand Rapids City Commissioners awarded a $14.5 million construction contract to Michigan-based environmental service contractor Taplin Group.
Phase One on the Lower Reach focuses on the stretch between I-196 and Fulton Street, removing four dams and replacing them with natural rock features. Construction begins this spring and is expected to take two years to complete.
Nearby Ah-Nab-Awen Park will be closed during construction serving as the primary equipment staging area.
A second phase involving the Sixth Street Dam is currently under environmental review by the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission. It’s determining sea lamprey management.
