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Grand Rapids adds $3.6M to lower-reach river project after $12.9M NRCS award
Summary
The city accepted a $12.9 million USDA NRCS grant for the Grand River revitalization lower reach and approved a $3,596,029 increase, bringing the lower-reach total to $29,578,130. City staff said the NRCS award exceeded earlier expectations and partners adjusted funding to fully fund bids.
The Grand Rapids City Commission approved a $3,596,029 increase to funding for the Grand River revitalization lower reach after staff confirmed a $12.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
"We thought we'd come in at about $11 million and they brought forward $12.9 million to support the project," said Miss Irving, a city presenter, describing the larger-than-expected federal award and how partners rebalanced earlier contributions so the lower-reach work could be fully funded when bid. The commission voted to add the NRCS funds to the project and to reallocate partner contributions accordingly.
City staff said the net increase reflects a rebalancing between lower- and upper-reach work and that the additional NRCS dollars allowed the lower reach to proceed without delaying the broader program. Commissioners praised staff coordination and the partnerships that helped assemble the funding package.
The resolution was approved by voice vote with no opposition recorded. Staff said the city will continue to report on procurement and scheduling as the project moves into construction and coordination with federal and local partners.
What happens next: Staff will incorporate the additional NRCS dollars into the project budget and return updates as designs and bids are finalized. The commission will be asked to approve related contract awards and any required budget ordinances as individual procurement items come before the body.
