Metzgar, Stefano Raise Concern Over Faulty Work in Somerset Lake’s Rehabilitation

March 13, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-69) and Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) released a joint statement regarding the continuous structural issues following a restoration project at Somerset Lake:

“After meeting with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), we were informed, yet again, that Somerset Lake’s dam has ended up in need of repair. It was communicated to us that, amid the project, the contractor made changes to the project specifications that the engineer did not identify or correct. Even more troubling, this happened under the watch of the governor’s Department of General Services (DGS), the agency that was ultimately responsible for overseeing the entire project.

“While the project was technically completed, this communication breakdown has led to brand new structural problems long before we should see any wear and tear of the dam. It’s hard to believe these avoidable mistakes were permitted, derailing the progress already made.

“This situation reinforces, in the strongest possible terms, the need for clear communication, accountability and transparency throughout every stage of publicly funded work. Our constituents deserve confidence that restoration projects at our lakes are handled with the utmost care and accuracy for the best interest in their safety. Those basic expectations were clearly not met here.

“As the bondholder, DGS must take corrective action to address the problems at Somerset Lake.  Additionally, as PFBC and DGS continue preparations for repairs at neighboring High Point Lake, it is vital that these agencies learn their lesson regarding this structural design and who they award contracts to for these projects. They must pause any development and review what went wrong at Somerset Lake to ensure we don’t face the same preventable errors.

“Our priority remains ensuring any publicly funded projects are done safely and without further disruption to the people of Somerset County.”



Representative Carl Walker?Metzgar
69th?District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact:??Nate Temple
717.260.6396
ntemple@pahousegop.com