The need to fund transportation and the problems associated with it have been all over the news lately, especially with the upcoming transportation bill. Everyone agrees that we need to maintain our existing infrastructure (roads and bridges) but the problem appears to be, who is going to pay for it? Taxpayers appear to be tired of paying so much in taxes and have expressed they don't want to pay more.
So, I here's an idea, it's a different way of looking at it, I am just throwing it out there, and is not the opinion of KMPO or any of KMPO's affiliate agencies or members.
-STATE FRANCHISED ESPRESSO STANDS LOCATED ALONG THE HIGHWAYS-
Having State Franchised Espresso stands located along the highway and freeways, with an enter/exit ramp solely for the purpose of the coffee stands, much like pulling off the highway to enter or exit a weigh station. It would be a short jaunt off and back onto the highway. The state already owns right-of-way and some stands could be located within an existing rest area stop. I realize the State, most likely, doesn't want to be in the coffee franchise business, but it would be a great source to generate additional transportation funding and it would provide additional local jobs at the same time.
I heard yesterday, on talk radio, that the average American spends $1000 per year on coffee. If just 25% of Kootenai County's total population utilized the franchised espresso stands (based on that estimate), they would generate over $34,000,000.00 per year within, Kootenai County. The investment for the stands would be minimal, compared to the amount of revenue collected, and if the money collected was used solely for transportation, to build or maintain infrastructure, the public would support it and they would be getting something in return. It's a win-win situation. And, what would be better than providing weary travelers, (local and long distance) with caffeine to wake them up?
Just an idea! What's your thoughts? Any opinions or other ideas???
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