Feb. 06, 2026
HARRISBURG – To reign in the overreach of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset) announced his intention to introduce legislation that would eliminate the entity’s ability to exercise the power of eminent domain – citing growing concerns over reckless expansion plans that threaten private property rights and Pennsylvania’s natural heritage.
In 2024, the PTC revealed that, despite repeated opposition by the public, it was entering into a four-year preliminary engineering stage for a project that would put a 1,000-foot cut through the Allegheny Mountain near the existing Turnpike tunnels.
This maneuver would seize private property and cause significant disruptions to surrounding ecosystems, local climate conditions and nearby communities, leading to irreversible damage to the environment and quality of life. According to Metzgar, those who rely on the mountain for water supply through wells and natural springs – including Berlin Borough – could face immense danger because of contamination and scarcity.
Given the mitigating risk factors and PTC’s relentless pursuit of this project, Metzgar said urgent action is required to restore balance and protect Pennsylvanians from government overreach.
“Taking away eminent domain would re-establish a landowner’s ability to consent,” said Metzgar. “It is my understanding the landowners do not consent to having their land taken, nor to put this enormous cut through the mountain. My plan is the best course of action to deter the Turnpike Commission’s egregious behavior and put the people first.”
To view Metzgar’s remarks on this issue,
click here.
Once introduced, the measure will be given a House bill number and then assigned to a committee for consideration.
Representative Carl Walker?Metzgar
69th?District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact:??Nate Temple
717.260.6396
ntemple@pahousegop.com