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Grand Rapids Pauses Dam Restoration Construction Bids

The Grand River in Grand Rapids, where a dam restoration project is planned.

News Summary

The city of Grand Rapids has decided to withdraw its request for construction bids for the Grand River restoration project due to delays with federal permits. The Natural Resources Conservation Service is reviewing the permit, prompting officials to take time to ensure all plans are effectively aligned before re-issuing bids. The total project cost is around $20 million, and the city hopes to start construction by 2026, contingent on necessary approvals and funding.

Grand Rapids Hits the Pause Button on Dam Restoration Bids

In a move that has caught the attention of many, the city of Grand Rapids has decided to withdraw its request for construction bids related to the ambitious project aimed at restoring the Grand River’s rapids downtown. This decision comes in light of ongoing delays with the federal permit that have thrown a wrench in the planned construction timeline.

Understanding the Delay

The hold-up is tied to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which is currently reviewing the permit request for the project. With these delays, city officials believe it’s best to allow more time for everyone involved to plan and allocate resources effectively before re-issuing the bid. This ensures that when the time comes to proceed, everything will be in top shape.

After securing the necessary federal approvals, the city plans to re-issue the bid and get the wheels turning on construction as soon as river conditions are favorable.

Funding Matters

Securing approval from the NRCS is not just a formality; it’s a *crucial step* that could unlock between $9 million and $10 million for construction costs. The total estimated cost of this project is around $20 million, a significant investment in the local environment and economy.

The Project Scope

The restoration project includes the removal of four low-head dams located just north of Bridge Street and south to Fulton Street. In place of the dams, the project will introduce approximately 20,000 tons of natural rocks and boulders to the river, setting the stage for a revitalized ecosystem.

Previous Approvals

It’s worth noting that back in December, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) gave the project’s permit request a green light, showing that the project had previously moved smoothly through the necessary channels.

The Impact of Delays

While project advocates remain optimistic, they acknowledge that the federal review process has proven to be intricate. Even though there are no indications of opposition to the project itself, the complexity of the reviews has added to the delays. The restoration effort has been in the works for over 15 years and has faced several setbacks along the way. Notably, a major hurdle surfaced in May 2023 when permit requests were withdrawn due to environmental concerns raised by various officials.

Following this setback, the original plan was scaled back, with the elimination of large whitewater waves that had initially been intended to attract tourists and support kayaking competitions. With such changes, city officials had hoped to kick off construction in the summer of 2024. However, due to these ongoing federal delays, actual construction may now not start until summer 2026.

Looking Forward: What’s Next?

Despite the delays, officials are still committed to taking some steps towards construction this summer if at all possible, but otherwise, they are preparing for a 2026 start date.

Environmental Considerations

Also exciting is the recent announcement regarding the relocation of nearly 15,000 freshwater mussels from areas in the Grand River. This critical move is essential for protecting local mussel populations during construction and is mandated by the Endangered Species Act. To oversee this important process, the city has approved a contract worth $1.26 million with the BioSurvey Group.

A generous $7 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will help finance the mussel relocation, dam removals, and the installation of rocks into the river.

Awaiting Final Approval

As it stands, the city is currently waiting for state approval to receive the permit for the removal of the low-head dams, with a decision expected by the end of the year. If granted, construction work could potentially kick off as early as July 2025.