Bowling Green Today

Last week, President Biden signed into law an amendment by U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) to streamline the layover of goods at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The amendment, part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3935), begins the process of adding CVG to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) list of Designated Ports. This designation will allow CVG to directly process shipments of wildlife and wildlife-derived products, reducing logistical challenges, cutting costs, and creating job opportunities in 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.”

Candace McGraw, CEO of CVG, expressed gratitude for Senator Paul's efforts: “For several years, Senator Paul has worked with us and DHL to grow cargo at CVG... I am grateful to Senator Paul for championing an amendment to designate CVG as a port of entry for fish and wildlife products."

Andrew Williams, CEO for DHL Express Americas, also praised the legislation: “On behalf of DHL, we are thrilled to see Senator Paul’s amendment included in the FAA reauthorization... With this designation, we will see speedier processing times for customers.”

Jamie Handley, Vice President of Systems Operations at Atlas Air Worldwide, added: “Atlas thanks Senator Paul for his commitment to improving the efficiency and competitiveness of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.”

Despite being ranked as the sixth busiest cargo airport in the United States in 2022 with over eight billion pounds of landed cargo, CVG has faced inefficiencies due to couriers having to transport wildlife goods elsewhere for USFWS inspection. The new law addresses this issue by allowing direct processing at CVG.

The legislation also includes a provision enabling USFWS to accept donations from private entities to support necessary changes.