Bowling Green Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate has passed U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s (R-KY) amendment #1952, which aims to streamline the layover of goods at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). This amendment is part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3935).

The legislation begins the process of adding CVG to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) list of Designated Ports. This designation will authorize CVG to directly process shipments of wildlife and wildlife-derived products, aiming to eliminate logistical challenges, reduce costs significantly, and create 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.”

In 2022, CVG was ranked as the sixth busiest cargo airport in the United States, handling over eight billion pounds of landed cargo. Despite this high volume, couriers currently face inefficiencies due to needing to transport wildlife goods elsewhere for inspection by USFWS.

For example, some couriers must drive wildlife goods 100 miles to Louisville for inspection by USFWS before returning them 100 miles back to CVG and finally shipping them to their intended destinations. Dr. Paul’s amendment seeks to address these inefficiencies by enabling rapid movement of goods through one of America’s busiest cargo hubs.

Additionally, the legislation includes a provision allowing USFWS to accept donations from private entities. This would enable stakeholders in aviation and trade industries to contribute towards necessary changes required for including CVG among designated ports.

You can read the amendment [HERE](#).

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