Bowling Green Today

President Biden has signed into law an amendment proposed by U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) that streamlines the layover of goods at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). This legislation, part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3935), recognizes CVG's pivotal role as one of the largest airports in cargo volume and begins the process of adding it to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) list of Designated Ports.

This designation allows CVG to directly process shipments of wildlife and wildlife-derived products, significantly reducing costs, eliminating logistical complications, 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.”

The legislation has garnered support from several stakeholders and organizations. Candace McGraw, CEO of CVG, expressed gratitude towards Senator Paul for championing this amendment which enables growth for their region and the Commonwealth.

Andrew Williams, CEO for DHL Express Americas, lauded this development as it will result in speedier processing times for customers, more efficient transportation, and safer inspection processes for regulated goods.

Jamie Handley, Vice President, Systems Operations at Atlas Air Worldwide thanked Senator Paul for his commitment to improving the efficiency and competitiveness of CVG.

Despite being ranked as the sixth busiest cargo airport in the United States in 2022 with over eight billion pounds of landed cargo handled, CVG had been grappling with significant inefficiencies due to its lack of status as a designated port. Couriers were required to transport wildlife goods elsewhere for USFWS inspection - often covering hundreds of miles - before returning to CVG for final shipment. With the new law, this bureaucratic oversight is corrected, enabling rapid movement of goods through one of America's busiest cargo hubs.

The law also includes a provision allowing USFWS to accept donations from private entities, providing an opportunity for stakeholders in the aviation and trade industries to contribute to the necessary changes that will include CVG among its designated ports.