The cost associated with maintaining rural highways follows a predictable pattern. There are usually no costs for the first three years, but maintenance is required for restriping, weed control, light replacement, shoulder repairs, etc. For one section of a particular highway, these costs are projected to be $6,000 in year 3, $7,000 in year 4, and amounts increasing by $1,000 per year through the highway's expected 30-year life