Putting the 'Rapids' Back in Grand Rapids

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."

2 minute read

February 18, 2013, 5:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


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."

Saturday, February 16, 2013 in The Detroit News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

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.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

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.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

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.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

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.

July 17 - San José Spotlight