amount of parking space, we can increase foot traf昀椀c in the downtown area and allow more people to enjoy the sights and experiences it has to offer. No longer will individuals have to risk life and limb crossing several car 昀椀lled roads on foot in order to reach their destination. They will have the freedom to walk less than 昀椀ve hundred feet to their desired location after parking in one of the many available parking spaces. We are aware that there may be concerns regarding the 昀椀nancial viability of the project. Rest assured; these kinds of infrastructure expansions essentially pay for themselves. We estimate that within three months of completion, I-10 will be operating at full capacity, so there’s no need to worry about funds wasted on excess lanes. This, in combination with the parking space increases will add to the cash昀氀ow in downtown and will thus increase the revenue stream for the whole city. If upfront costs are an issue, then we have another way to pay for the renovations. We suggest that Houston lease out the streets of the city to a private company to acquire the funds. The company would pay an upfront fee to obtain the rights to charge for roadside parking and road use for a period of time, and in exchange they would be responsible for the maintenance of the road during that time. We recommend a period of three hundred years to fully cover the costs of the expansions. Now, we must warn you that agreements like this typically require the city to pay the company if the road needs to be shut down for any reason (to make up for lost pro昀椀t, of course). However, we believe this most likely will pose no problem for the city. After all, roads hardly ever need to shut down in Houston. We at Asphalt Inc. sincerely hope that due thought and consideration on this matter is given. It is important to us that the people of Houston get the infrastructure they need to function every day. Which is why we once again implore you to seriously consider our proposal and all of the potential economic good it can do for this wonderful American city. Sincerely, Asphalt Inc. Representative Moe Cash. PLAINS PARADOX ■ 90