Bowling Green Today

Dr. Rand Paul champions legislation to designate CVG as USFWS port of entry, eliminating logistical nightmares and creating jobs

May 10, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 10, 2024

Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a development for Kentucky and trade policy, the Senate passed U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s (R-KY) amendment #1952 to streamline the layover of goods at CVG. This amendment was included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3935). Dr. Paul’s amendment acknowledges the significant role of Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), 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 allows CVG to directly process shipments of wildlife and wildlife-derived products, reducing costs and creating job opportunities for 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, the airport currently faces significant inefficiencies. 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 them to CVG and finally shipping them to their intended destinations. Dr. Paul’s amendment aims to address this issue and enable rapid movement of goods through one of America’s busiest cargo hubs.

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

You can read the amendment HERE.

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