After more than a century of altering the flow of the Grand River, Grand Rapids' namesake whitewater has been largely eliminated. A new proposal backed by Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder would "put the rapids back in Grand Rapids."
Jim Lynch reports on the $27.5 million plan to restore the Grand River as a recreational and tourist attraction, and catalyst for economic development. Following the lead of cities such as South Bend, Ind., whose East Race Waterway has generated $78 million in economic development on an investment of $5 million, citizens groups and city officials in Grand Rapids are counting on state and federal grants and private donations to fund the project.
"Not everyone is on board with the plan," however, says Lynch. "Some fishermen worry that removing or lowering the Sixth Street Dam just north of downtown will take away a popular year-round angling spot, and canoers and kayakers are cautious about potential changes to their favorite spots on the river."
"After years of work and millions of dollars spent separating the city's sewer and water lines, the Grand River is healthier than it has been in decades, officials said, and ready for its close-up."
"Several environmental impact studies are still in the offing before the city can begin applying for state permits. But physical work on the river could get started within the next three to five years."
"We have to invest in our community to continue to have growth and development occur and attract the best and brightest to our city," said Suzanne Schulz, director of the city's planning department, who believes the potential economic impact could "be somewhere in the hundreds of millions of dollars."
FULL STORY: Grand Rapids looks to restore river to natural state
Grand Rapids Mayor Proposes Garage Conversion Plan
The mayor says allowing homeowners to convert garages to dwelling units could alleviate the city’s housing shortage.
Grand Rapids Passes Zoning Reform Package
The new rules aim to make it easier to build small multifamily housing developments.
50 Years Later: Anacostia River to Welcome Swimmers
The Washington, D.C. region has accomplished a major environmental victory, cleaning up the Anacostia River enough for humans to swim in for the first time in five decades.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie