Grand Rapids’ Lower Reach Grand River restoration work entered the river July 1, beginning dam removal and work intended to restore rapids, according to the city.
The July 1 milestone moves the Lower Reach phase into active river work. The city said the work marks the start of dam removal and the return of rapids in this section of the Grand River.
A new phase after groundbreaking
The city announced in June that the Lower Reach project had broken ground and begun construction with city and regional partners. The July announcement identifies the subsequent start of work in the river, including dam removal and rapids restoration.
The Lower Reach work is part of a multiyear Grand River restoration effort. The project is supported by city, state and partner funding, according to the approved project information.
What the milestone does and does not establish
The announcements describe construction activity for the Lower Reach phase; they do not state that the broader Grand River restoration is complete. The city’s July update specifically identifies the start of dam removal and work to restore rapids, rather than a finished-project announcement.
The project is tied to the river within Grand Rapids and is intended to reshape part of the city’s waterfront through restoration work. City announcements identify the Lower Reach as the portion now moving through construction and into river-based work.
Sources
- City News, City of Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids breaks ground on Grand River Restoration – Lower Reach, City of Grand Rapids