# From Dams to Rapids: Inside Grand Rapids WhiteWater's $45M Transformation of the Grand River(04-26-26)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/west-michigan-weekend-a-public-affairs-program-from-iheartradio-1390286/from-dams-to-rapids-inside-grand-rapids-whitewater-s-45m-transformation-of-the-grand-river-04-26-26
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/west-michigan-weekend-a-public-affairs-program-from-iheartradio-1390286/from-dams-to-rapids-inside-grand-rapids-whitewater-s-45m-transformation-of-the-grand-river-04-26-26.md
Podcast: [West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)](https://stenobird.com/podcast/west-michigan-weekend-a-public-affairs-program-from-iheartradio-1390286)
Published: 2026-04-25T16:45:02+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/from-dams-to-rapids-inside-grand-rapids-whitewater-s-45m-transformation-of-the-grand-river-04-26-26--71618544
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71618544/042626_ihmwmw_gr_whitewater_final_mix.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1202

## Resource

What if Grand Rapids could reconnect with the very natural feature that gave the city its name? On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend , host Phil Tower sits down with Matt Chapman, Executive Director of Grand Rapids WhiteWater , to explore a bold and long-awaited effort to restore the historic rapids to the Grand River. For nearly a century, those rapids have been hidden beneath dams and development. Now, a transformative project is underway to remove outdated low-head dams and reintroduce natural rock formations—restoring the river’s flow while improving safety, revitalizing ecosystems, and creating new opportunities for recreation and economic growth. Matt shares his personal connection to river restoration, the vision behind Grand Rapids WhiteWater, and what this $45 million project could mean for the future of the region. With funding secured and progress advancing, the conversation looks at where the project stands today—and what it might feel like for the community when the rapids return. Learn more about the project and its progress at gran drapidswhitewater.org

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