University of Pittsburgh to Present Public Debate on the Future of Transportation in Pittsburgh on April 14

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh's William Pitt Debating Union will host a public debate addressing the future of transportation in Pittsburgh, 6-7:30 p.m. April 14 in the Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, 650 Schenley Dr., Oakland. Experts and student debaters will consider the question, "Should the Mon-Fayette Expressway Be Completed?" in the free public debate, which will allow time for audience participation.

Speakers will include Shawn Fox, Allegheny County executive chief of staff; Andrea Boykowycz, PennFuture outreach coordinator; and Pitt student debaters Colin Esgro and Richard Pittman.

Pennsylvania Route 43, or the Mon-Fayette Expressway, is a proposed 66-mile, four-lane highway stretching from Morgantown, W.Va., to Downtown, Pittsburgh. While substantial portions of the highway have already been completed, funding has not yet been secured for key segments through Allegheny County.

Advocates arguing in favor of completing the expressway contend that the road would ease economic stress in the Mon-Valley and improve traffic conditions on I-376. Opponents suggest that public resources could be better spent on alternative transportation projects.

The debate is the second in a new series, made possible by funding from the late Marcella L. Finegold (B.A. '37), a William Pitt Debating Union alumnus. For the next three years, participants will explore different aspects of the theme "The Future of Pittsburgh." In 2011, a book featuring transcripts and analysis of the first cycle of debates will be published.

A webcast of the debate may be viewed at http://mediasite.cidde.pitt.edu (select "William Pitt Debating Union" in the Presentation Catalog window), starting at 6 p.m. April 14.

For more information, contact the William Pitt Debating Union at 412-624-2887 and red20@pitt.edu.

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