McConnelsville, Ohio – Governor Mike DeWine joined community leaders in Morgan County yesterday to mark the start of three transformative projects in McConnelsville. The initiatives will revitalize the village’s downtown square, improve access to the riverfront, and restore the historic Twin City Opera House, all with the goal of boosting tourism, strengthening the local economy, and creating new opportunities for residents.
The projects are funded through significant state support. A $10.3 million grant from the governor’s Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative will transform the village square with new lighting, upgraded sidewalks, and the installation of a modern roundabout to replace a dangerous six-stop intersection. Plans also include the construction of a new riverfront park along the Muskingum River. The park will feature a gazebo, pavilion, performance area, walking trails, and boat and kayak access, making the riverfront a focal point for recreation and community gatherings.
Historic Opera House Renovation
In addition to the downtown and riverfront improvements, McConnelsville’s cultural centerpiece, the Twin City Opera House, will undergo much-needed renovations thanks to $3 million from the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization program. Originally opened in 1892, the Opera House will be upgraded with more accessible restrooms, a new elevator, and enhanced first-floor space for retail use, ensuring the historic venue continues to serve as both a cultural and economic driver for the village.
“I’m truly happy that the state is helping to reshape how people experience McConnelsville,” said Governor DeWine. “These projects mark the start of a riverfront, downtown, and opera house designed for anyone who wants to enjoy the beauty and history of this fine city.”
Part of a Larger Statewide Effort
Governor DeWine launched the Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative in May 2024, awarding $204 million to 12 counties to restore and expand access to Ohio’s waterways, redevelop historic riverfront downtowns, and encourage tourism. The program is one of three initiatives funded under the Appalachian Community Grant Program, a landmark $500 million investment aimed at strengthening the state’s 32-county Appalachian region.
The administration, with bipartisan support from the Ohio General Assembly in 2022, has made this regional investment one of the most ambitious in Ohio’s history. For McConnelsville, the funding means not just new infrastructure but a reimagined future centered around community, culture, and connectivity to the river that has shaped its history for generations.
