Bowling Green Today

In a triumph for the residents of Kentucky and judicious trade policy, the Senate has approved U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s (R-KY) amendment #1952. This amendment, part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3935), aims to streamline the layover of goods at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The legislation will initiate the process of adding CVG to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) list of Designated Ports.

This designation would authorize CVG to directly process shipments of wildlife and wildlife-derived products, thus eliminating logistical complications, significantly reducing costs, and creating job opportunities for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

“Adding Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport as a Designated Port is a strategic move that enhances efficiency, reduces costs, creates jobs for Kentucky, and aligns it with the demands of global commerce,” said Dr. Paul. “My amendment is a win-win, not just for our Commonwealth but for the national economy.”

Despite its notable performance in 2022 when CVG ranked as the sixth busiest cargo airport in the United States handling over eight billion pounds of landed cargo, it currently faces significant inefficiencies. At present, couriers at CVG must transport wildlife goods elsewhere for inspection by USFWS. In some instances, couriers ship wildlife goods 100 miles to Louisville for inspection by USFWS, then return 100 miles back to CVG before finally shipping the goods to their intended destinations. Dr. Paul’s amendment aims to rectify this bureaucratic oversight and facilitate rapid movement of goods through one of America's busiest cargo hubs.

The legislation also includes a provision allowing USFWS to accept donations from private entities. This offers stakeholders in aviation and trade industries an opportunity to contribute towards necessary changes that will include CVG among its designated ports.