Grand River Restoration Economic Impact

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Grand River Restoration Economic Impact

Grand Rapids Whitewater Revealed Details on the $20M Annual Impact of Restoring the "Jewel of the River"

The economic study conducted by the Anderson Economic Group looked at the direct activity connected to the restoration of the 2.2-mile stretch of the Grand River through downtown Grand Rapids.

The findings were announced today at the Gillette Bridge. The study was funded by The Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation, the Frey Foundation and the Wege Foundation.

The study finds that an expanded riverfront with more recreational use would stimulate between $15-$20 million per year.

The study points to between 250,000 and 500,000 new recreational visitors to Grand Rapids, resulting in the study's findings. These visitors would be drawn by more river access and potentially better fisheries.

Paul Isely, chair of the economics department at Grand Valley State University, said the findings are in line with what any economic expert would have found.

Isely also pointed to the findings that underdeveloped lots near the river would increase significantly. The study's findings show an increase of $117.7 million in real estate value, $285 million in development and 1,520 related jobs.

The report doesn't include many factors without a dollar amount: civic pride, the willingness to stay in Grand Rapids because of a natural resource, habitat restoration and more.

Source: Grand Rapids Business Journal

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