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6.0 IRREVERSIBLE OR IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES <br />While the acquisition of the airport and public ownership is not <br />wholly irreversible, the proposed acquisition will reduce the <br />amount of commercial & industrially zoned land (1700 acres) in <br />the City by approximately 212 acres. An additional 18 acres of <br />residential land will be converted to airport use. These reduc- <br />tions in acreages represent small fractions of commercial, indus- <br />trial and residential land available for development. <br />The project necessitates the clearing of approximately 3 acres of <br />trees and saplings. This represents a loss of urban habitat and <br />subsequent loss of resident wildlife populations. The <br />unavoidable loss of this habitat represents a small acreage <br />of comparable vegetation associations in the community and the <br />overall region. <br />Construction activity will result in the loss of energy required <br />to operate the equipment. Similarly, additional energy will be <br />used once the improved facility is operational. These losses <br />will be offset, however, by the fuel savings for vehicle trips <br />and more efficient service to aviation users. <br />The airport also represents a commitment of economic resources on <br />the part of the FAA (thru AIP funds), the State, and the City of <br />Ramsey. State and Federal funds used for the project are avia- <br />tion user generated funds predominantly from the Aviation Trust <br />Fund (similar to the Highway Trust Fund). The City's share of <br />funds ultimately are backed by the residents and businesses in <br />the Community. <br />6-1 <br />