Walker Proposes $370 Million Aquarium Project Amid Environmental Concerns

News Summary

Walker plans to develop a $370 million aquarium at a former landfill site, facing challenges from past contamination. The project promises significant economic benefits, including job creation and tax revenue. Local authorities are assessing environmental compliance as they work towards making this ambitious aquarium a reality.

Walker Plans Ambitious $370 Million Aquarium Amid Contamination Challenges

Walker is considering the development of a major $370 million aquarium at a 190-acre site along the Grand River, previously designated as the Fenske Landfill. This proposed aquarium could span approximately 30 acres, aiming to rival renowned facilities like the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Despite the potential benefits, the site’s contamination history poses significant complexities for the project.

Environmental Concerns and Oversight

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is involved in the due diligence process, monitoring the site for environmental compliance. Previous checks indicate the presence of low-level PFAS contamination in the groundwater as of July 2021, complicating efforts for redevelopment. Kent County, which owns the John Ball Zoo, emphasizes that any future use of the landfill site must effectively address existing environmental liabilities and comply with all regulatory requirements.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The proposed aquarium is projected to have a substantial economic impact, estimated at over $3.4 billion over the next 11 years. This development also has the potential to create approximately 2,500 jobs within the same period, significantly boosting local employment. Furthermore, it is expected to generate more than $268 million in new tax revenue for state and local governments, supporting the region’s economic growth.

Community and Environmental Goals

John Ball Zoo is committed to ensuring the aquarium will positively affect the local community and environment, promoting wildlife protection and environmental health. Plans include enhancing connectivity with other local attractions, thereby enriching the visitor experience and fostering tourism in the Walker area. The zoo identifies a need for significant space, estimating at least 15 acres will be necessary for the aquarium, along with additional facilities such as parking.

Funding and Support Strategies

The funding for this ambitious aquarium project could receive a boost from a proposed ballot measure in 2024 to increase Kent County’s hotel tax from 5% to 8%. This measure aims to support tourism initiatives, which may be pivotal for financing the aquarium and other related projects.

History of Redevelopment Attempts

The Fenske Landfill has a complicated history, with various proposals since its purchase in 2001 by the current owner, Dan Hibma, including plans for apartments, a golf course, and a marina, all of which have not materialized. The site is classified as a brownfield, meaning it requires thorough environmental assessments and possible negotiations for liability waivers concerning past contamination as part of the development process.

Next Steps and Future Prospects

Ongoing discussions between the property owner, representatives from John Ball Zoo, and EGLE are critical in navigating the environmental considerations while facilitating the aquarium’s development. If all regulatory and environmental hurdles are successfully addressed, the expected opening year for the aquarium could be as early as 2031. Earlier location considerations for the aquarium included sites along Muskegon Lake, but attention has now shifted to the Walker landfill site due to its larger scale and potential.

In summary, while the proposed aquarium in Walker presents exciting prospects for economic growth and community engagement, the challenges associated with the contaminated landfill site must be carefully managed for the project to succeed.

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Additional Resources

• WZZM13: John Ball Zoo Exploring Site for New Aquarium
• WOODTV: John Ball Zoo Aquarium Plans
• Crain’s Grand Rapids: Aquarium Planned for Contaminated Landfill Site
• MLive: Zoo Eyes Polluted Landfill for New Aquarium
• Grand Haven Tribune: Walker Site for Aquarium
• Wikipedia: Aquarium
• Google Search: Aquarium
• Google Scholar: Aquarium
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Aquarium
• Google News: Aquarium