The city of akron will complete design and permitting for removal of the gorge DAM to address degradation of fish populations (#3), degradation of benthos (#6), and loss of fish habitat (#14)…

The City of Akron received a $941,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 under the Geographic Programs - Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (CFDA 66.469), awarded September 1, 2025, with completion targeted for July 31, 2028. The grant funds design and permitting activities for the removal of the Gorge Dam, which will address three beneficial use impairments in the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern: degradation of fish populations, degradation of benthos, and loss of fish habitat. The deliverables include a treatability report, 100% design documents, a fully permitted and biddable set of plans and specifications, semi-annual progress reports, and a final project report.

Upon completion of the design phase, these deliverables will enable the City of Akron to solicit qualified contractors for dam removal construction and associated river restoration work, including stabilization of infrastructure within the dam pool and restoration of the river valley. The project is expected to increase habitat connectivity and fish passage throughout the Cuyahoga River, benefiting residents, workers, and recreational users within the Area of Concern and contributing to its eventual delisting.

The city of akron will complete design and permitting for removal of the gorge DAM to address degradation of fish populations (#3), degradation of benthos (#6), and loss of fish habitat (#14) beneficial use impairments (buis); and contribute to the delisting of the cuyahoga river area of concern (AOC).activities:activities include completing design and creating a biddable set of plans, specifications, and contract documents for the removal of the gorge DAM. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:deliverables include a treatability report, 100% design documents, biddable, fully permitted set of plans, semi-annual reports, and a final report. The deliverables from this effort will allow the city of akron to procure a qualified contractor to complete the construction of the DAM removal, stabilization of infrastructure within the DAM pool, and appropriate restoration of the river valley. This project will result in increased habitat connectivity and fish passage in the cuyahoga river and will benefit those who live, work, and recreate in the cuyahoga river AOC.