What if Grand Rapids could reconnect with the very natural feature that gave the city its name? <br /><br />On this episode of iHeartRadio’s <i>West Michigan Weekend</i>, host Phil Tower sits down with Matt Chapman, Executive Director of <a href="https://grandrapidswhitewater.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><b>Grand Rapids WhiteWater</b></a>, to explore a bold and long-awaited effort to restore the historic rapids to the Grand River.<br /><br />For nearly a century, those rapids have been hidden beneath dams and development.<br />Now, a transformative project is underway to remove outdated low-head dams and reintroduce natural rock formations—restoring the river’s flow while improving safety, revitalizing ecosystems, and creating new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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />Learn more about the project and its progress at <b><a href="https://grandrapidswhitewater.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">gran</a>drapidswhitewater.org</b><br /><b></b>