Grand Rapids Began Removal of Four River Dams

The $14.56 million project will restore 30 acres of habitat along the Grand River in downtown.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Home Renovation

Grand Rapids Began Removal of Four River Dams

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Crews began the removal of four low-head dams on July 1, 2026, to restore natural water flow in downtown Grand Rapids. This city-commissioned project covers 2,887 feet of the river channel.

Why it matters

Removing these structures is designed to enhance local ecosystems and improve habitat for native lake sturgeon. The project aims to mimic the natural rapids that were present before the river underwent industrial development.

The city commissioned the Taplin Group for the $14.56 million contract, which covers a 2,887-foot stretch of the river. The work is supported by over $11 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The players

Taplin Group

The construction firm commissioned by the city to manage the river channel restoration and dam removal process.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

The federal agency providing over $11 million in funding for the Grand River restoration project.

Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency currently evaluating the environmental impact of maintaining barriers for invasive species protection.

The details

Workers use turbidity curtains to capture sediment and prevent it from moving downstream while heavy machinery operates in the water. The team creates causeways and employs cofferdams to isolate specific sections of the river, allowing for the precise installation of new rock features. This methodical approach ensures that the river corridor is rebuilt while minimizing ecological disruption during the two-year construction period.

July 1, 2026: Demolition of four low-head dams began.
2026-2028: Construction period for the Lower Reach.

The Home Front

This project aligns with regional efforts to modernize river infrastructure by removing obsolete low-head dams while maintaining critical invasive species barriers. The work follows established ecological restoration standards to protect 1,900 miles of upstream habitat.

Local residents should expect active construction and machinery in the downtown river corridor through 2028. Property owners near the river may observe changes in water levels and flow patterns as the 2,887-foot stretch of the channel is restored to its natural state.

The takeaway

The removal of these four dams marks a significant shift toward restoring the natural flow of the Grand River for both native wildlife and the city skyline. Residents should note the two-year construction timeline and check city updates for any temporary closures of river access points near the work zone.

What happens next

The Army Corps of Engineers is currently preparing an environmental impact statement regarding the future of the Sixth Street Dam, which will determine if a new barrier is required to continue protecting upstream habitats.