Answer:
The dividends could be increased by $552,500.
Explanation:
Using the residual dividend model, the dividend is calculated as follows.
Dividend = Net income - (Target equity ratio  x Capital budget)
Target equity ratio = 1 - Debt ratio
                = 1 - 0.35
                = 0.65
For original capital budget: Dividend = $3,500,000 - (0.65 x $3,000,000)
                               = $1,550,000
For new capital budget: Dividend = $3,500,000 - (0.65 x $2,150,000)
                             = $2,102,500
Increase in dividend = New dividend - Old dividend
                 = $2,102,500 - $1,550,000
                 = $552,500