https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:4cf6b031-9134-43c1-94de-40245aaf8160

Taplin Group LLC has been awarded a $14.56 million construction contract by the City of
Grand Rapids to lead the Lower Reach portion of the Grand River Revitalization Project.
The Grand Rapids City Commission approved the contract on February 24, 2026,
following a recommendation from the Community Development Committee. Taplin Group
was selected through a competitive bidding process and will serve as the primary
contractor responsible for environmental cleanup and river restoration.

The Grand River Revitalization Project aims to restore the historic rapids that once
defined the Grand River while improving public safety, enhancing aquatic habitat, and
expanding recreational opportunities for the community. The rapids haven’t been seen for
generations when a series of dams were constructed in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
First proposed in 2009, the project has undergone extensive planning, permitting, and
design work over the past decade. The restoration effort will take place in two phases,
the Lower Reach and the Upper Reach. Taplin group will lead construction for the Lower
Reach portion of the project, which spans from Bridge Street to Fulton Street in
downtown Grand Rapids. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2026 and will
take approximately two years to complete.

The Lower Reach portion involves the removal of four dangerous low-head dams. These
structures will be replaced with two channel-wide grade control structures built from
rock, boulders, and natural river material. This will make the water safer for boaters and
paddlers while creating more opportunities for recreational activities. It will also bring
back important spawning and migration areas for native Great Lakes fish and aquatic
species.

KEY BENEFITS OF THE PROJECT:
Removal of safety risks caused by four existing low-head dams
Improved access for recreation
Improved fish passage hydraulics over existing conditions
Improved biodiversity and aquatic health