GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A project aimed at restoring the Grand River’s rapids in downtown Grand Rapids has been determined to be environmentally safe for the river after a federal review just wrapped up.

The review’s findings mean that Grand Rapids Whitewater can move forward with removing four low-head dams and adding about 20,000 tons of natural rock and boulders to the Grand River this summer.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service issued a finding of “no significant impact” last week for the lower Grand River habitat restoration project, the city said in a news release. That means the NRCS determined the project will not cause significant local, regional or national environmental impacts.

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

The environmental assessment covered all environmental and cultural impacts anticipated from the proposed project, including air quality, noise, land use and public health.

The NRCS can now move forward with determining how much U.S. Department of Agriculture funding will be provided for the project. Grand Rapids Whitewater, the private equity group behind the project, is hoping to secure up to $11 million from NRCS for the $20 million project, said Matt Chapman, project manager for Grand Rapids Whitewater.

Chapman hopes a funding announcement will be made by the NRCS sometime in February or March, he told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Jan. 22. The goal is to begin construction in the river in July.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also promised $2.1 million in grants to prevent the spread of sea lamprey as part of the project.

The project involves 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, the city said.

Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) signed off on the project’s permit request in 2024.

Project leaders say restoring the rapids will create a more accessible river and opportunities for more recreation in the waterway, including paddleboarding, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting and angling. It will also increase diversity and productivity of native Great Lakes fish and protect threatened and endangered species, including lake sturgeon, river redhorse and snuffbox mussel.

Grand Rapids Whitewater is a private entity that has envisioned the return of the rapids since 2009, but the project has suffered numerous delays during that time.

One of the biggest setbacks came in May 2023, when the city and Grand Rapids Whitewater withdrew the project’s permit request after state and federal officials raised concerns about the project’s environmental impact.

In response, the project was scaled back. The large, whitewater waves that officials hoped would attract tourists and kayaking competitions to the city were removed.

Construction permits have been secured for the project, and the city is reviewing bids for a contractor, according to the city’s news release. Construction contracts are expected to go before the Grand Rapids City Commission for approval in February or early March.