Bowling Green Today

On May 17, 2024, U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s (R-KY) amendment to streamline the layover of goods at Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) was signed into law by President Biden. The amendment, part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3935), initiates the process of adding CVG 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, aiming to reduce logistical challenges, lower costs, and create 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 towards Senator Paul: “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 supported the legislation: “CVG airport is the only major express delivery hub in the U.S. that was not considered a Port of Entry by the Fish and Wildlife Service... With this designation, we will see speedier processing times for customers.”

Jamie Handley from Atlas Air Worldwide commended Senator Paul's efforts: “Senator Paul’s contributions to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 will help ensure that northern Kentucky continues to be a dominant air cargo hub for years to come.”

Despite being ranked as the sixth busiest cargo airport in the United States in 2022 with over eight billion pounds of landed cargo, CVG faced inefficiencies due to current inspection requirements. Couriers had been transporting wildlife goods up to 100 miles away for USFWS inspections before returning them to CVG. The new law addresses these issues by enabling direct processing at CVG.

Additionally, this legislation includes a provision allowing USFWS to accept donations from private entities to support necessary changes.

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