The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025 on Mar. 16, a bill introduced by Rep. Eli Crane to accelerate rebuilding efforts at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon following last year’s Dragon Bravo Fire.
The legislation aims to streamline federal contracting and grant emergency authority to the National Park Service (NPS), allowing for faster recovery after more than 100 structures, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, were destroyed. The fire led to decreased tourism and significant hardship for park staff, small businesses, and surrounding communities.
Crane visited affected areas after the fire to meet with local officials and business owners, who said that emergency contracting authority for NPS would help avoid delays in recovery. The bill covers all fire-related work such as forest management, maintenance, rebuilding, and infrastructure improvements. It also requires NPS to submit a report to Congress every 180 days for transparency.
The legislation received bipartisan support from groups including the Coconino County Board of Supervisors and members of Arizona’s congressional delegation. John Dillon, a local business owner and advocate for the Grand Canyon, testified before Congress about the destruction caused by the fire and urged quick action on behalf of rural Arizonans facing uncertainty and financial loss.
“Coconino County supports the North Rim Restoration Act, which gives the National Park Service the ability to respond swiftly and thoughtfully, not only to rebuild the physical structures, but to restore the enduring spirit of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. We are deeply grateful to Representative Crane for championing this legislation and recognizing the devastation caused by the Dragon Bravo Fire and the heartbreaking loss for everyone who treasures this extraordinary place,” said the Coconino County Board of Supervisors.
“Federal bureaucracy should not stand in the way of vital rebuilding efforts at the Grand Canyon, which is critical to restore tourism and support rural, gateway economies. H.R. 5729 will help expedite the recovery of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon from the devastating impacts of the Dragon Bravo Fire by giving the National Park Service targeted emergency acquisition flexibilities. This commonsense legislation will support on-the-ground recovery work and conserve this iconic landscape for future generations. I thank Representative Crane for introducing this bill on behalf of Arizonans and the millions of Americans who cherish the Grand Canyon,” said House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman.
Crane said he introduced his bill after listening “to folks on the ground who were directly impacted by this devastating fire.” He added: “Today’s unanimous vote sends a clear message that America refuses to abandon our iconic landmarks and storied communities… I urge my colleagues in the Senate to embrace our strong momentum and send this critical bill to the president’s desk.”
Eli Crane is currently serving in Congress representing Arizona’s 2nd district after replacing Tom O’Halleran in 2023 according to official information. He was born in Tucson in 1980 and lives in Oro Valley.
