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

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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