On October 9, 2025, Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) introduced the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025 in response to the damage caused by the Dragon Bravo Fire at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The proposed legislation seeks to accelerate rebuilding efforts by allowing the National Park Service emergency contracting authority, aiming to bypass standard bureaucratic delays and streamline federal contracting.
The bill has received backing from local and national leaders, including members of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, Congressional Western Caucus leadership, subcommittee chairs from the House Committee on Natural Resources, and Arizona’s congressional delegation.
On December 11, 2025, the House Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing to consider the legislation. During this session, John Dillon—an executive director of the Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association and long-time advocate for the Grand Canyon—testified before lawmakers. Dillon discussed how the fire affected park staff, businesses, and surrounding communities and encouraged quick approval of Rep. Crane’s bipartisan bill.
“I want to thank John Dillon for representing the many family-owned businesses and rural Arizonans whose futures depend on revitalizing the Grand Canyon. I can think of no one more qualified to speak on the real impacts of the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025,” said Rep. Crane. “I’m also grateful to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, my colleagues from the Arizona delegation, the House Committee on Natural Resources, and the Congressional Western Caucus for their support. With yesterday’s hearing, we are making significant progress toward a robust and efficient recovery.”
Eli Crane has represented Arizona’s 2nd congressional district since 2023 after succeeding Tom O’Halleran. He was born in Tucson in 1980 and currently resides in Oro Valley.
