After 17 years, a project to remove the dams in downtown Grand Rapids is finally set to begin construction this summer. The project, called Grand Rapids WhiteWater, has two phases. The first phase will remove four low-head dams spanning from Bridge St. to Fulton St. in order to make more recreational opportunities for residents and improve the aquatic habitat for fish.
At its meeting on February 24, the Grand Rapids City Commission approved a $14.5 million contract for the project with the Taplin Group, an environmental and municipal services provider.
At a community development committee meeting before the full commission meeting, Mike Staal, who works with the city’s engineering department, said plans for the second part of the project will be coming soon…