City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Whitewater announce federal funding approval for Lower Grand River Habitat Restoration Project

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Whitewater today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has authorized $11,026,695.43 in Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program funding to support the Lower Grand River Habitat Restoration Project, also known as the Grand River Revitalization.

Federal partners have emphasized the significance of this investment in long-term public safety, environmental health, and outdoor recreation. United States Representative Hillary Scholten underscored the project’s impact for West Michigan.

“For centuries, the Grand River has been a defining part of our region’s identity and history, and today we are making an investment in its future,” said Rep. Scholten. “This significant funding will yield enormous benefits for Grand Rapids’ public safety, environmental health, and economic development while ensuring generations to come can enjoy the river’s outdoor recreation opportunities. I will continue working every day to protect our natural resources while strengthening the communities that depend on them and ensure the Grand River always remains a source of pride for West Michigan.”

With NRCS approval secured, all major federal and state authorizations for the Grand River Revitalization are now complete, allowing construction to move forward.

For nearly two decades, Grand Rapids Whitewater has championed the effort to restore the river’s natural character and reconnect the community to the waterway. What began as an ambitious idea—to bring back the namesake rapids and create a healthier, more dynamic ecosystem—grew into a collaborative regional initiative with local, state, federal, and tribal partners. Years of scientific study, community engagement, and planning have helped shape a project that will restore natural rapids, enhance aquatic habitat for Great Lakes fish and mussels, and remove four low-head dams to improve public safety.

The City of Grand Rapids is leading the next major step in restoring the Grand River. To launch the first phase – known as the Lower Reach, stretching from I196 to Fulton Street – the City Commission recently approved a $14.56 million construction contract with Taplin Group LLC. This phase includes dam removals and installation of natural rock structures designed to improve river flow, public access, and habitat. Construction is expected to take approximately two years.

“This is a historic moment for Grand Rapids,” Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand said. “After 17 years of planning and collaboration, we are finally bringing the rapids back to the Grand River. This project will transform our riverfront, improve access to the water, and create a healthier, more vibrant river for generations. I’d like to thank the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Grand Rapids Whitewater, former Mayors George Heartwell and Rosalynn Bliss, our current and past federal and state legislators, and our many river partners for their long‑standing support and commitment to this vision.”

Matt Chapman, executive director of Grand Rapids Whitewater, added, “We’ve worked tirelessly with partners and the community to make this vision a reality. Today’s funding approval represents the final step as we shift from planning to implementation and is a proud moment for everyone who believed in restoring the river. With this award we will begin a transformation and leave a legacy for future generations.”

For more information about NRCS programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov. For details and updates on the Grand River Revitalization, visit  grandrapidswhitewater.org.

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