Grand Rapids WhiteWater, on behalf of the City of Grand Rapids, has submitted a permit request to EGLE, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, for work related to the Lower Reach of the project.
This portion of the project will enhance the quality of the Grand River ecosystem while providing greater safety, access and recreational opportunities to the citizens of West Michigan.
As part of the permit approval process, EGLE is accepting public comments until October 9, 2022.
We Need Your Support
Can you share your support of this permit application by submitting a comment on the MIWaters website?
It’s easy. You only need to share your name, email address and copy/paste the statement of support into the comments box.
Feel free to customize if you’d like. Reminder, you’re limited to 2,048 characters.
Public Hearing
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) is holding a virtual public hearing at 6 p.m. on September 29, 2022 regarding our permit application.
Register to attend the event (it’s free): at bit.ly/3L7aJES.
Statement of Support
Dear Director Clark and EGLE staff,
I strongly urge you to approve the permit for Project Grand River-Grand Rapids (HNV-A018-7X9N3), which would enhance the quality of the Grand River ecosystem while providing greater safety, access and recreational opportunities to the citizens of Michigan.
This project, long misunderstood to be only of benefit for whitewater rafters, has evolved its design to be a healthier river ecosystem that will not increase flood risk while providing recreational and economic benefits to the City of Grand Rapids and surrounding region.
The project team has spent years developing a design that balances the goals of the project with the constraints of constructing in a heavily urbanized and regulated reach of the river. Project proponents have worked closely with state and federal agencies to identify, understand, evaluate and address each constraint. The result is a holistic design that significantly improves existing river conditions. Temporary impacts are minimized as much as reasonably possible and no permanent, adverse impacts are anticipated.
- The project will safely provide greater public access to the Grand River and enhance the River’s ecosystem when compared to existing conditions.
- 8.7 acres of increased flow diversity, resulting in improved aquatic habitat and enhanced recreational opportunities
- The removal of safety risks caused by the four existing low-head dams
- 2.9 acres of preferred mussel habitat area, a designed increase of 73% from current conditions
- Improved fish passage hydraulics over existing conditions
Approving the permit application for Project Grand River-Grand Rapids (HNV-A018-7X9N3) will create many environmental, recreational and safety benefits that will drive opportunities for nearby economic development and aligns with the Pure Michigan campaign goals to promote the diversity of unique places and waterways that make Michigan so special. Thank you for your consideration.