Grand River Restoration enters the river: July 1 marks start of dam removal and the return of the rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – In-river construction begins this morning to remove four low-head dams from just upstream of Bridge Street Bridge to the Fulton Street Bridge, marking the next phase in the broader Grand River Restoration project that will restore the historic rapids.

The July 1 in-river start aligns with regulatory requirements designed to protect fish spawning periods and prevent invasive sea lampreys from moving past the Sixth Street Dam.

Over the coming weeks, the Taplin Group, the City’s contractor for the lower reach project, will build causeways to allow for construction equipment to safely travel in the river. A small isolation system (cofferdam) will also be built to isolate a section of Dam 2 to construct the boulder arch feature. All other in-river features will be built in the river as flow conditions allow.

Over the next two years, the Taplin Group will remove the four dams of the lower reach and replace with two channel-wide elements that include, a boulder arch structure, constructed riffles and scattered habitat boulders to enhance aquatic habitat, fish passage and natural function of the river.

“For our team, this project is about more than removing dams, it’s about strengthening the connection between our community and the river that runs through the heart of Grand Rapids,” said Mike Staal, river restoration project manager for the City. “By revitalizing the riverbed with natural features that support safety, habitat and access, we’re creating a space where future generations can learn, explore and enjoy the water in ways that haven’t been possible for a century. This work demonstrates our commitment to building infrastructure that serves people and the environment.”

Matt Chapman, executive director of Grand Rapids Whitewater said, “Seeing the first equipment enter the river today is an exciting experience and reflects an 18-year commitment from multiple community partners to restore the city’s namesake rapids. After years of waiting, the transformation of our river starts today!”

Key project elements include:

• Removal of four low‑head dams to eliminate dangerous hydraulics and improve public safety
• Installation of natural rock structures—boulder arches, riffles, emergent habitat boulders, and bank vanes
• Enhancement of aquatic habitat across 2,887 feet and 30 acres of river corridor
• Improved habitat for native Great Lakes fish and protected species, including lake sturgeon, river redhorse, and snuffbox mussel
• Together, these improvements will support long‑term habitat diversity, increased fish passage, and greater ecological resilience.

Once completed, the Grand River Restoration will also:

• Expand safe public access and create new recreation opportunities
• Support a healthier river ecosystem
• Strengthen economic vitality along the riverfront

Pending weather and river conditions, construction of the lower reach is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

For more on the Grand River Restoration – Lower Reach project, please visit: https://engage.grandrapidsmi.gov/lowerreach

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