Dredging debate continues: Public meeting set to discuss potential risks to river habitat

The Grand Rapids Steelheaders have invited a doctor to look at the environmental impacts of dredging the Grand River.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The dredging debate continues today over whether the Grand River Waterway Project should move forward.

The Grand Rapids Steelheaders have invited an Michigan State sea grant educator to talk about environmental risks related to the dredging project. Project supporters hope that by dredging 23 miles of the river between Eastmanville and downtown Grand Rapids, powerboats could use the river from downtown to Lake Michigan.

The Steelheaders will be hosting a social hour and public meeting about the river project. They have invited Dr. Daniel O’Keefe for a look at the environmental impacts that the project will have on the river.

Dr. O’Keefe will discuss the potential risks the venture would pose to river habitat, water quality and aquatic species and point out specific examples of fishing spots in the Grand Rapids area that would be damaged by dredging.

Social hour will start around 6 p.m. and the meeting is set for 7 p.m. Dr. O’Keefe will begin his presentation around 8 p.m. The social hour, meeting and discussion are all free events and will take place at the Diamond Ave Hall, located at 435 Diamond Ave. NE. For more information, visit the Steelheaders’ Facebook page.

_{Source: wzzm13.com}