Effort to bring back the rapids of Grand Rapids that disappeared after industrial development

The restoration involves building structures that look like features found in a natural river (Photo: Fox7) 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. The restoration will cover 2,887 feet and 30 acres of river corridor. The project is designed to reshape the river for fish and wildlife while also creating new opportunities for people to access and use the water.Before construction began, mussels on the riverbe...