What’s new: The state regulators have moved the long-awaited revitalization of the Grand River Downtown to the next step in the regulatory process.
-
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) determined that, as of September 9, 2022, the application is “Administratively Complete.”
-
To get here, Grand Rapids Whitewater and the City had to answer questions, provide hydraulic models and other scientific support and file literally thousands of pages of material.
Why it matters: Now the clock starts ticking.
-
EGLE has 120 days to respond to the application, barring voluntary extensions.
-
Even with extensions, EGLE has a maximum of one year to decide if the application meets the applicable laws for permit issuance.
-
If EGLE meets the 120-day deadline and issues a permit, construction could start on the project in 2023.
The big picture: This permit application relates to the revitalization of the Lower Reach of the Grand River, which is the section from 130 feet upstream of Bridge Street south to Fulton Street.
-
This stretch of the river has changed significantly over time: dams block the natural flow of the river and rocks and boulders have been stripped from the river bottom.
-
The proposed project will remove the dams and replace them with natural rock and boulders.
-
Once the project is completed, the Grand River downtown will be safer, more natural, better for fish passage and better for recreation. The river will once again provide the sight, sound and spirit of the historic rapids for which the city is named.
What’s next: The EGLE public comment period is open until Monday, October 10, 2022.