The City of Grand Rapids has been firm on their commitment to revitalize the river in a way that does not increase flood risk or create Harmful Interference as defined by EGLE as “causing an increase stage or change in the direction of flow that causes or is likely to cause: damage to property; a threat to life; pollution, impairment, or destruction of water or other natural resources.”

The accuracy of the flood modeling is of great importance to the City, GRWW, and the regulatory agencies. FEMA and EGLE will extensively review the hydraulic model for the Lower Reach Project and a permit will not be issued if a project increases flood risk.