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ODNR Works to Replace Historic McConnelsville Dam
By Cindy Riley
In an effort to preserve the historic Muskingum Parkway lock and dam system and allow for continued recreational navigation, crews in Morgan County, Ohio, are replacing the historic McConnelsville Dam. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is overseeing the $24 million undertaking.
“There have been several repairs to the
sheet pile structure, including interim improvements to stabilize the right abutment,” said James Hilovsky, a team lead of ODNR’s division of engineering. “Overall, the existing cellular sheet pile dam is in poor condition beyond its serviceable lifespan, and in need of replacement.”
Site work and preparation began earlier this year, with water work starting in June. The project is expected to be completed in
three summer construction seasons.
“We are currently in the first phase, which includes construction of the left and right abutments and a portion of the new dam starting from the left abutment. The remaining sections of the dam will be constructed in the second season, and the existing dam removal and other site work completed in the third season.”
The new structure will be approximately
580 ft. downstream of the existing dam.
“The original dam was constructed in 1841 and was similar in nature to many of the other dams along the river which are rock-filled timber crib structures, later capped with concrete. The original McConnelsville Dam failed in the late 1940s and was replaced with the sheet pile structure currently in service today.”
Edged Expands With New Data Center in New Albany
Edged Energy announced it will be expanding its North American portfolio with a new world-class facility in New Albany, Ohio, the highly sought-after tech region known as the Silicon Heartland. Edged Columbus will be built for high-density Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads and equipped with advanced waterless cooling and ultra-efficient energy systems. Construction is under way and expected to be complete in July 2025.
Strategically located at 6525 New Albany Road East, less than 20 minutes from downtown Columbus, the sustainable data center will provide 24 MW of critical capacity, conserve local water resources and dramatically reduce energy usage. At a time of growing water scarcity when portions of Ohio are already in severe drought, Edged Columbus is expected to save nearly 95 million gal. of water each year compared to conventional data centers and deliver industry-leading energy efficiency — average power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.15 portfolio-wide.
“We are on a mission to build data centers for positive impact. We are thrilled to be partnering with the New Albany community to support their thriving digital economy in a way that is sustainable and conserves precious local resources. Our highly differentiated platform of technologies is optimized for energy efficiency, water conservation and top-tier performance,” said Bryant Farland, chief executive officer of Edged.
Ohio is quickly becoming an established cloud computing hub, boasting a deep talent pool and exceptional fiber connectivity, with high-speed connections from coast to coast.
“Data centers are key assets to the New Albany commu-
The Edged facility in Columbus will be outfitted with the ThermalWorks waterless cooling system, designed to support the intense demands of generative AI and advanced computing. The modular system supports densities of up to 70 kW per rack with air cooling and 200 kW per rack with plug-and-play liquid cooling integration. Unlike other waterless cooling solutions, this advanced technology is ultra-efficient, which helps Edged dramatically reduce energy overhead by 74 percent compared with the global average PUE of 1.58 reported by the Uptime Institute.
Edged is a subsidiary of Endeavor with nearly a dozen new data centers operating or under construction across Europe and North America and a gigawatt-scale project pipeline. Edged Columbus will join a growing network of data centers currently under construction across the United States, including in Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Dallas and Phoenix.
About Edged Energy
nity, allowing us to diversify the types of companies within our business portfolio,” said New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding. “With Edged Data Center’s impressive track record of reducing energy and water consumption in addition to investing in local schools, the company’s values closely align with our community pillars of environmental sustainability and lifelong learning. I believe Edged will be a perfect fit for New Albany, and I look forward to their involvement in the community.”
Edged Energy is a vertically integrated global platform of on-demand data centers. Its operations are designed to be energy efficient and water neutral. Edged Energy is an Endeavour company.
For more information, visit edged.us.
About Endeavour
Endeavour is an innovation platform that builds sustainable infrastructure companies to make clean water and renewable energy affordable and accessible to all. For more information, visit endeavourii.com.
Skanska to Construct New Office Building for Medpace
Skanska, a construction and development firm, has announced the signing of a contract with Medpace, a clinical research company, to construct a new office building on Medpace’s Madisonville, Ohio, campus. The total construction value of the project will be $197 million.
The new 562,000-sq.-ft. development will consist of a nine-story building that will feature a six-story office tower built atop a three-floor parking garage and conference center. Construction began in February 2024 and is scheduled for completion in March 2027. This marks Skanska’s 10th project with the Medpace. It currently is constructing a new clinical pharmacology unit on the campus as well.
Elevar is the architect and THP Limited is the structural engineer of the project.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Medpace on this landmark project,” said Chris Hopper, vice president and general manager of Skanska USA Building. “This new office building will not only enhance the Medpace campus but also contribute to the development of the Madisonville community. Our team is dedicated to delivering a project that meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability.”
Since 2016, Skanska and Medpace have cultivated a robust partnership, resulting in the successful completion of numerous projects on the Medpace campus. These include several office buildings, Element Eatery Food Hall and the Summit Hotel.
Edged Energy photo
Edged Columbus will be built for high-density Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads and equipped with advanced waterless cooling and ultra-efficient energy systems.
Medpace rendering
Skanska announced the signing of a contract with Medpace to construct a new office building on Medpace’s Madisonville, Ohio, campus. The total construction value of the project will be $197 million.
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Dam Replacement Will Take Three Summers to Complete
DAM from page 1
The dams along the Muskingum River are considered critical to maintaining the recreational navigation through the lock system. There also are miles of shoreline, docks, bridges and other infrastructure that rely on the water levels maintained by these dams. “It’s crucial to ensure these dams are maintained in a safe condition in order to protect the life and property upstream and downstream of the structures,” Hilovsky said.
“As the system approaches 200 years old, it has become a vital part of the identity of the communities that surround it. The system is located in the heart of Appalachian Ohio, and the investments that are being made in the system result in opportunities for construction jobs, material and equipment supply and opportunities for various specialty subcontractors to take part in a historic
Among the equipment on site is a
Crews are currently in the first phase, constructing the left and right
and a portion of the new dam starting from the left abutment.
rehabilitation project.”
The dam currently has a sheet pile vertical face. This new design will have a concrete stair step face which will provide a more pleasing look. The design also has the added benefit of improving energy dissipation and reducing the potential for dangerous rollers to form at the toe of the dam.
The Ruhlin Company was selected as the construction manager at risk (CMR). Through the CMR delivery method, Ruhlin has been able to provide early input on design concepts, constructability concerns, cost estimates and scheduling. They also have been able to pre-qualify subcontractors to ensure the most qualified subcontractors are available to complete the work.
The current dam, constructed in 1841 and reconstructed in 1959, is approximately 14 ft. in height with a 192-ft.-wide principal spillway and a 394-ft.-wide secondary overflow. It is regulated by the ODNR Dam Safety Program as a Class II structure. The replacement dam was designed by Michael Baker International, which is the engineer of record, providing construction administration services for the project.
“The most challenging aspect of this project is working on the Muskingum River,” Hilovsky explained. “The project has been phased to occur during the historically lower pool levels, but the river can vary significantly depending on rainfall.”
see DAM page 10
Ohio Department of Natural Resources photo
long-reach excavator.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources photo
Crews are installing the sheet pile cutoff.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources photo
abutments
Kubota Hometown Proud Grant Names 20 Recipients
As part of its continued commitment to dealers, customers, and local communities, Kubota Tractor Corporation announced 20 grant recipients in its fourth annual Kubota Hometown Proud grant program aimed at providing support across the country for local nonprofit organizations and their unique initiatives.
Each of the 20 hometown projects now goes to a public vote, and the project with the most votes in each of Kubota’s 10 operating districts will turn its $10,000 grant into a $50,000 grant.
“The Kubota Hometown Proud grant program was created four years ago as a way for Kubota to give back to our dealers’ hometowns in a meaningful way,” said Todd Stucke, president of Kubota Tractor Corporation and senior vice president of Kubota North America.
“Today we are announcing more grants than ever before — for 20 nonprofits from various hometowns across the country — to help with community projects that will make a positive impact in these communities for years to come. We hope the next phase in our program generates even more hometown pride by rallying around each organization and helping to shine a light on the important work they all do.”
The community projects with the most votes will be announced in September.
The 2024 Kubota Hometown Proud grant program recipients and their projects that are now up for vote include:
• Ag Alley at Shanél Valley Academy (Hopland, Calif.)
• Agricultural Education Space for Black Youth and Adult Land Stewards by Black Oregon Land Trust (Corbett, Ore.)
• Barns Repair and Restore at AACORN Farm (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
• Bristow Town Square Renovation by Bristow Historical Society (Bristow, Okla.)
• Bryant City Park Improvement Project by Bryant Up & Coming (Bryant City Park, S.D.)
• Cape Fear Heritage Garden at Cape Fear Botanical Gardens (Fayetteville, N.C.)
• Denton Freedom House Gardens Project (Denton, Texas)
• Developing Ag Opportunities for Residents at Bethel Hill by Advocates for Community Choice (Marthasville, Mo.)
• Diamond Dream: Enhancing Youth Baseball & Softball Fields (Cross Plains, Texas)
• Downtown Community Park by Leave it Better (Eastman, Ga.)
• Friends of Distant Hill Accessible Nature Trail and Pavilion Project (Alstead,
N.H.)
• Growing Food and Opportunities by The Farm School at Gibbs Road (Kansas City, Kan.)
• Growing Hometown Pride by Wello, Inc. (Green Bay, Wis.)
• High Tunnel House for Free Produce at Matthew 25 Farm, Inc. (Tully, N.Y.)
• New Heart: Feeding Those in Need by Fed By Faith (Joelton, Tenn.)
• Pony Van for Stable Moments by Justin’s Place (Wilmore, Ky.)
• Refugee Children Farm Educational Shelter by Transplanting Traditions Community Farm (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
• UGArden Community Farm Stand at the Univ. of Georgia (Athens, Ga.)
• Vocational Tech Program at the Lighthouse Ranch for Boys (Loranger, La.)
• West Union Recreation Ballpark Restoration by Future Plans, Inc. (West Union, Ohio)
In March, Kubota announced its fourth annual Kubota Hometown Proud grant program, calling on nonprofits to apply for consideration. A record of more than 1,500 entries were received this year from across the country, demonstrating diverse and genuine needs from communities big and small.
In partnership with local Kubota dealers, Kubota is honored to invest in hometowns across America to help make a sustainable impact on community programs and projects for stronger hometowns — from building agriculture centers and barns, to supporting equine programs, community gardens and vocational farming projects for youth and veterans — which is exactly what the brand’s hard-working equipment is built for.
To-date, the company has awarded $1.5 million in Kubota Hometown Proud grant program funding.
For more information and official rules for the Kubota Hometown Proud grant program, visit KubotaHometownProud.com.
Covering Central Ohio 866-262-4181 Toll Free 4805 Scooby Lane Carroll, OH 43112 740-654-5304 920 Deneen Avenue Monroe, OH 45050 513-649-8105 www.companywrenchjcb.com
Kubota photo
Ruhlin Company Takes On ODNR Dam Replacement
Work is currently under way to construct the drilled shaft abutment walls, starting on the left abutment and moving next to the right abutment. The contractor also is beginning to place concrete for the inwater dam, along with the installation of a sheet pile cutoff wall in the canal embankment.
The rock causeway, abutment cofferdams and initial excavations for the abutments have been completed. A temporary access bridge also was installed across the canal to provide access for the heavy equipment and materials that need to be brought to the site. Tree clearing and other site preparations were completed before construction began in June.
Clearing the east riverbank of the Muskingum River involved included removing trees and vegetation. Re-grading the canal embankment to create a work platform for the abutment and access to the causeway was also necessary.
The stair stepped dam will be poured in lifts. The first lifts will be placed underwater via tremie. Once the concrete structure is complete, post tension rock anchors will be installed along the crest of the new dam to anchor to the river bedrock.
The existing dam’s sheet pile cells will be removed and the sand and gravel inside these cells will be left in place. Cells on the right abutment will remain in place to aid in stabilizing the adjacent roadway embankment. Cells on the left abutment will remain in place and be converted to a fishing pier. The existing dam will be demolished at the end of construction.
Hilovsky said the primary concern when surrounded by water is the safety of the crews working in the river, as well as protection of the work.
“The causeway elevations were carefully selected to balance risk of overtopping and maximize working days during the summer season using historical river elevations. The project also was designed to maintain recreational access through the canal and lock.”
DAM from page 6 see
DAM page 11
Crews work on the temporary bridge.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources photo
Ohio Department of Natural Resources photo
A view of the project site from the south.
Initial Excavation, Rock Causeway Complete for Dam
DAM from page 10
Construction of the abutments on each side of the dam allows for the geotechnical subcontractor to complete these scopes of work without mobilizing in subsequent seasons. The permanent improvements are contained within ODNR property; however, the right abutment requires a lane closure on the adjacent road and ongoing maintenance of traffic throughout the project.
Although construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, this work is highly dependent on the elements and river water levels.
“Weather is always a factor in dam construction, especially when working in the river,” Hilovsky said. “The project has been phased to work during the optimal season based on past history of the river, but the project team maintains a construction monitoring plan to ensure the team is constantly monitoring and able to react to changing weather and water levels.”
The materials being used on the project include concrete, reinforcing steel, graded aggregates and earth-fill. The concrete mix has been designed specifically for this project. Crews will be placing a large quantity of concrete under water via a tremie.
Among the equipment on site is a long-reach excavator.
“This machine has the same configuration as a regular excavator but has a much longer boom and dipper stick to give it a longer reach,” said Hilovsky. “We also are using an excavator with a drill attachment. This is a very specialized piece of equipment capable of drilling deep cylindrical shafts in earth and rock. This is essential to construct the soldier pile walls for both abutments.”
Hilovsky praised the design and permitting partnership with Ohio EPA, US Army Corps of Engineers, Ohio State Historic Preservation Office and Morgan County, and underscored the effort is a first of its kind in recent ODNR history.
“The Muskingum River Parkway is a unique system that has been in service since the 1840s. This is an incredibly important project to help preserve this system and allow future generations to continue to experience this piece of history.”
