The cost associated with maintaining rural highways follows a predictable pattern. There are usually no costs for the first 3 years, but thereafter maintenance is required for restriping, weed control, light replacement, shoulder repairs, etc. For one section of state highway S102, these costs are projected to be $6000 in year 3, $7000 in year 4, and amounts increasing by $1000 per year through the highway’s expected 30-year life.

(a) Assuming it is replaced with a similar roadway, determine the perpetual equivalent annual cost (years 1 to ∞) at an interest rate of 8% per year.

(b) Verify your factor-based answer on a spreadsheet in the most efficient way you know.