Notice of Intent
NEPA Scoping Meeting and Public Comment Period for the Grand River Upper Reach Revitalization: Sea Lamprey Control and Habitat Improvement Project
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District (USACE), has issued a Supplemental Notice of Intent to prepare a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Grand River Upper Reach Revitalization: Sea Lamprey Control and Habitat Improvement Project in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The project proposes removing the aging 6th Street Dam and constructing a new barrier designed to block invasive sea lamprey while enhancing native fish passage, restoring natural river conditions, and improving aquatic habitat. The EIS will evaluate project alternatives, environmental impacts, and potential effects on sensitive species, including the federally endangered snuffbox mussel.
USACE invites agencies, stakeholders, and the public to participate in the scoping process and provide input on issues and alternatives to be considered in the EIS.
Public Scoping Meeting
Date: April 22, 2026
Time: 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Location: Grand Rapids Public Schools University, 1400 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Short presentations will be held at 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The River for All Initiative is a project designed to revitalize the Grand River.The Grand River is the longest river in the State of Michigan. It flows 270 river miles through the state before entering Lake Michigan. River restoration includes a vision of redevelopment along the edges of the river. Parks, trails, and areas to boat, kayak, fish, and swim will make the river accessible to everyone.
History
The Grand River has been an important resource and travel route in Michigan's history. In the 1800's, the river was a rushing, roaring rapids. As industries grew, dams and other structures eliminated the river rapids.
The River for All river restoration project focuses on the 7.5 mile Grand Rapids corridor of the river.
The vision connects neighborhoods to the heart of Grand Rapids. This new vision includes:
- New trail connections to established trails
- Buildings engaging with the river
- Educational opportunities for area children and college students
- Plants native to Michigan riverbeds
- Dam removed to improve fishery
- Greater shoreline access for walking, boating, and fishing.
Check out how the river restoration project began through the GR Forward process.Want more details? Read the report below.
Private-Public Partnership
The River for All Initiative is centered on community partnerships. These partnerships include:
- The Museum School students
- City officials
- Landscape architects
- Non-profits
- Universities
- Grand Rapids Whitewater (GRWW)
- Williams & Works (overseeing river restoration project)
Contact Us
Phone
616-456-3000
Fax
616-456-3828
Location
Engineering Department
300 Monroe Ave NW 5th Floor
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
