City awards Taplin Group low bid for Grand River Lower Reach revitalization
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Summary
After 17 years of planning, the city awarded the Taplin Group the low bid for a major Lower Reach project to remove four dams, restore rapids and fish passage, and create river access. Staff described construction impacts, staging at Anabuen Park and federal funding constraints on inclusion goals.
The City advanced the Lower Reach segment of the Grand River revitalization, awarding a construction contract to Taplin Group (low bid $14,562,625.98) and presenting a multi‑year plan to remove four low‑head dams between I‑196 and Fulton Street.
City engineering manager Mike Stahl framed the project as the product of 17 years of planning and described two work streams: a Lower Reach implementation package and additional Upper Reach work (including the Sixth Street barrier associated with sea lamprey control, managed by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission). The Lower Reach proposal replaces concrete dams with constructed riffles, boulder clusters and engineered rock features intended to recreate rapids, restore aquatic habitat and fish passage, and create safer, more usable river access for recreation. Matt Chapman, executive director of Grand Rapids Whitewater, described project objectives including habitat restoration, public safety improvements, and expanded recreational opportunities for boating and angling.
Staging and community impacts: staff said Anabuen Park (Gillette Bridge to Bridge Street) will be the primary staging and access area, closed for about two years; the river itself will remain open for users but with equipment in the water and safety advisories in place. Staff noted interactions with federal and state permitting, an environmental impact study timeline for upper‑reach components, and that some federal funding (NRCS) imposes procurement and contracting requirements that limit the use of micro‑local discount programs for construction contracts. Taplin Group was described as experienced in dam and river work, with prior projects in nearby counties.
Commissioners probed inclusion and local subcontracting: staff said Taplin will subcontract a small percentage (reported at roughly 4%), that much of the contract value is stone and heavy equipment (niche, specialized inputs), and they intend to present separate professional services contracts to create more micro‑local opportunities for historians, biologists and other consultants. Commissioners asked for ongoing reporting on inclusion efforts, project schedules, and outreach; staff committed to follow‑up briefings as design and permitting proceed. The resolution authorizing the contract passed by voice vote.
