Brown Applauds Kentucky Auditor's Call for Overhaul of CVG Executive Board to Include Ohioans; Urges Kentucky Legislature to Implement Recommendations

WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) applauded recommendations made by Kentucky Auditor Adam Edelen that would overhaul the CVG Airport Executive Board, ensuring Ohioans would have voting authority on issues facing the Airport. Although it is estimated that more than 60 percent of passengers departing from the airport are Ohio residents, Ohio representatives do not have a vote on issues before the Board. 

“After nearly 70 years of a status-quo policy that has blocked-out the voice of Ohioans, it’s time to shakeup the composition of the CVG Airport Executive Board to ensure the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area is truly represented,” Brown said. “Today’s recommendations by Kentucky Auditor Adam Edelen accomplish this and would help ensure that CVG Airport remains competitive. By incorporating the voices of Ohio and Kentucky leaders, CVG will truly reflect the needs of the region. I urge members of the Kentucky General Assembly to support this plan and implement these recommendations immediately.”

In March, Brown called on Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear (D-KY) to revisit the composition of the Board so that Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG) can best serve the Greater Cincinnati region in the highly-competitive commercial aviation market. Although it is estimated that more than 60 percent of passengers departing from the airport are Ohio residents, Ohio representatives on the Airport’s Board do not have a vote on issues before the Board. 

Brown’s call follows a series of investigate reports by the Cincinnati Enquirer highlighting improper use of public funds for travel and spending allocations by members of the Kenton County Airport Board. As a result, three members of the Board resigned In February 2014. With these vacancies, Brown urged Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear (D-KY) to revisit the Board’s composition. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the seven voting members of the Board have significant power as they “call the shots on every dollar spent on airport operations, negotiate with airlines on new flights and decide how airport land and facilities will be developed.” According to CVG, there are 18 members on the Board. The seven voting members are all appointed by the Kenton County Judge Executive.

Brown has been a longtime advocate for CVG airport. In February 2011, Brown wrote a letter to Delta CEO Richard Anderson, noting a dramatic decrease in flight levels and fewer direct flights from CVG as hurting southwest Ohio consumers and the Cincinnati business community. Brown also wrote to the Kenton County Airport Board Chairman in March 2011 urging the board to focus on attracting new airlines, lower ticket costs, and increased passenger traffic.

Brown’s letter to Beshear can be found:  HERE.

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