Grand Rapids begins project to bring back river rapids lost to dams and industry

After nearly two decades of planning, crews are now working in the Grand River in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to bring back the rapids that gave the city its name. Rapids are sections of a river where water flows faster and more turbulently over rocks or uneven parts of the riverbed.The first phase of the restoration is focused on the Lower Reach, the section of the river between the Bridge Street Bridge and Fulton Street Bridge, according to Spectrum News. Construction began in the river on July 1, with crews working to remove four low-head dams from the downtown section. Once the dams are removed, they will be replaced with natural rock features, including boulder arches, riffles and habitat boulders.The first phase is expected to take about two years, with the Lower Reach work expected to be completed by October 2027.