Bowling Green Today

On May 10, 2024, the Senate passed U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s (R-KY) amendment #1952 to streamline the layover of goods at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). This amendment was included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3935). The legislation aims to recognize the pivotal role of CVG, one of the largest airports in cargo volume, by beginning the process of adding it to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) list of Designated Ports.

This designation authorizes CVG to directly process shipments of wildlife and wildlife-derived products, eliminating logistical issues, 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 impressive ranking as the sixth busiest cargo airport in the United States in 2022 when CVG handled over eight billion pounds of landed cargo, significant inefficiencies persist. Currently, couriers at CVG must drive wildlife goods elsewhere for inspection by USFWS. In some instances, couriers ship wildlife goods 100 miles to Louisville for inspection by USFWS before returning 100 miles back to CVG and finally shipping the goods to their intended destinations.

Dr. Paul’s amendment seeks to rectify this bureaucratic oversight and enable 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.