Federal environmental review advances Grand River restoration

Federal environmental review advances Grand River restoration

Published on January 26, 2026

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Whitewater today announced that the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a Notice of Availability of a Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Watershed Project Plan - Environmental Assessment for the Lower Grand River Habitat Restoration Project in Kent County.

This milestone indicates NRCS determined the project will not cause significant local, regional or national environmental impacts. As a result, NRCS concluded that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required and will send the Environmental Assessment to the Chief of NRCS for authorization and consideration of funding. Achieving this milestone allows the project that has been more than a decade in the making to move one step closer to starting construction.

Grand Rapids Whitewater first envisioned restoring the Grand River's historic rapids in 2009 as a catalytic effort to reconnect the city to its namesake river and revitalize the downtown river corridor. Since then, the City and Grand Rapids Whitewater have worked through extensive planning, permitting, and design phases and have all State permits necessary to complete construction.

The project aims to restore the rapids, improve public safety, enhance aquatic habitat for native Great Lakes fish and mussel species, and expand river access and use.

Key benefits of the proposed project include:

• Improved habitat variety and suitability over 2,887 feet and 30 acres of the Grand River
• Increased diversity and productivity of native Great Lakes fish
• Protection of threatened and endangered species, including lake sturgeon, river redhorse and snuffbox mussel
• Improved public access and elimination of unsafe dam hydraulics
• Enhanced public safety through removal of low-head dams that create dangerous turbulent waters

Grand River restoration project partners welcomed the announcement.

"This milestone reflects our commitment to being responsible stewards of the Grand River and the resources entrusted to us," said Michael Staal, project manager for the City of Grand Rapids. "Through strong collaboration with our partners, we are moving closer to securing federal funding that will enhances, public safety, restore natural habitats, and create new opportunities for all to enjoy the river."

"The potential federal funding for habitat restoration will complement significant investments in the Grand River already made by State and Local governments, the private sector, and members of our own community," said Matt Chapman, executive director of Grand Rapids Whitewater. "Restoring the rapids will not only bring back a vital piece of our city's history but also create a healthier river ecosystem and a vibrant public space for generations to come."

The restoration will involve removing four low-head dams between I-196 and Fulton Street, grading the riverbed, and installing boulder arch structures, constructed riffles, emergent habitat boulders and bank vanes within an 11.7-acre area.

Construction permits have been secured, and the City is reviewing bids for a contractor. A recommendation to City Commission for a construction contract award is expected in February or early March. The final NRCS funding authorization is anticipated in the same timeframe, with construction on the Lower Reach anticipated to begin in July 2026.

The FONSI and Watershed Project Plan - Environmental Assessment are available atNRCS's website.

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