In Grand Rapids, Rep. Scholten Celebrates $2.1 Million in Federal Funding to Return Rapids to Grand Rapids, Fight Invasive Sea Lampreys

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Today, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten held a press conference celebrating $2.1 million in federal funding for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) to safeguard the Great Lakes from the destructive sea lamprey while enabling the restoration of the rapids to the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids.

“Sea lampreys are not only blood sucking invaders in our water ecosystems, they are also a drain on our economy and way of life,” said Rep. Scholten. “This $2.1 million grant is a major win to fight this invasive species, safeguard the health of our Great Lakes and ensure our ecosystem can thrive for decades to come. This investment honors our city’s heritage, strengthens environmental protections, and saves taxpayer dollars in the long run.” 

The funding, provided through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will support the design of a new sea lamprey barrier, fund critical pre-construction work, and aid in the recovery of native fish species. The barrier will be located roughly one mile upstream from the existing 6th Street Dam in Grand Rapids.

Sea lampreys, an invasive species, pose a serious threat to native fish populations in the Great Lakes, as well as the region’s $7 billion fishing industry. The new barrier will protect over 4,000 miles of river from becoming sea lamprey breeding grounds while reducing reliance on chemical lampricide treatments. The project is expected to save about $2 million annually in lampricide costs–paying for itself in less than 1.5 years while delivering benefits for decades to come.

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