Grand Rapids Whitewater

Grand Rapids is seeking financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to restore the rapids to the Grand River, but public feedback on the project must be sought first.

$2.1 million in federal funding is now headed to West Michigan to meet those goals

A government credit card pause is creating uncertainty that could affect downtown Grand Rapids’ Grand River restoration project

Crain’s staff writer Mark Sanchez discusses the Grand River Restoration project, a survey indicates people want more ‘eatertainment’ in downtown Grand Rapids and advocates say enforcement of a federal law would be a costly burden.

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

Grand Rapids Whitewater president and CEO Steve Heacock discusses state requesting city of Grand Rapids design modifications and project status.

Friday, dive teams began work in the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, starting the months-long relocation of endangered mussels

In December, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy objected to the wave features in the Grand River restoration design. The City of Grand Rapids withdrew its application. After making design modifications, the application has been filed with the state.

Once the mussels have been relocated, the city plans to remove some dams and add boulders to create faster moving water for kayakers, and slower spots for recreational wading and paddling

Leaders and citizens from local Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities gathered earlier this year with Grand River Restoration project planners engaging in an equitable vision. Grand River Voices and its stakeholder along with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. developed a Grand River Equity Framework including six goals and benchmarks.