Bowling Green Today

In a significant victory for the people of Kentucky and trade policy, the Senate has passed U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s (R-KY) amendment #1952. This legislation aims to streamline the layover of goods at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3935). The amendment recognizes CVG's pivotal role, one of the largest airports in cargo volume, by initiating its addition 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, thereby eliminating logistical complications, significantly reducing costs, and creating job opportunities for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Dr. Paul stated, “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. 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 (the latest year for which data is available), when CVG handled over eight billion pounds of landed cargo, there are currently significant inefficiencies at play. Couriers at CVG must drive wildlife goods elsewhere for inspection by USFWS. For instance, couriers sometimes 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 swift 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 presents an opportunity for stakeholders in aviation and trade industries to contribute towards the necessary changes to include CVG among its designated ports.

The full amendment can be read HERE.