Bowling Green Today

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

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 Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The amendment was included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3935). Dr. Paul’s amendment aims to add CVG to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) list of Designated Ports, authorizing it to directly process shipments of wildlife and wildlife-derived products.

“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 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 faces significant inefficiencies. Currently, couriers at CVG must transport wildlife goods elsewhere for inspection by USFWS. In some instances, couriers drive 100 miles to Louisville for inspection and then return 100 miles back to CVG before shipping goods to their final destinations. Dr. Paul’s amendment seeks to resolve this issue by enabling faster 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 provision provides an opportunity for stakeholders in aviation and trade industries to contribute to necessary changes that will include CVG among designated ports.

You can read the amendment HERE.

###