On one side of the controversy is the government, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and other political decision-makers, who believe that the expressway is needed as a fast and safe option for traffic. Southwestern Pennsylvania has declined in recent decades, congruent with the degeneration of the steel industry. Many people feel that improved passage through the area would contribute to revitalization. A citizen's group, the Fayette Expressway Completion Organization, is in favor of the highway for this reason. Those holding these views are primarily local community groups, along with a few larger organizations.
Many taxpayers are concerned about the economic impacts of the highway.
Other groups see the highway as a waste of money. Keeping them in good shape may be a better use of funds than building more roads that will also need to be maintained, leading to more spending. Environmental and health concerns are another major consideration, as construction of a highway leads to devastation of natural habitats. Additionally, transportation contributes to a large part of America's air pollution. Cars and trucks burn gas and oil, and emit a plethora of harmful substances.