Permit applications for construction to begin in the Summer of 2025 were submitted to the required state and federal agencies in May of 2024. Per State of MI permit requirements, the project was placed on public notice from July 17, 2024 until August 6, 2024. A virtual Public Hearing was held on Monday August 5, 2024 and comments were accepted until August 15, 2024. The Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy issued a draft permit for the project on December 20, 2024. 

The City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Whitewater are currently working on the final review and approval of an Environmental Assessment document with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to release additional federal habitat restoration funds. Any additional public comment periods will be made available on this website as well as The City of Grand Rapids and in accordance with any agency requirements for public notice.