Rep. Eli Crane has introduced the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025, aimed at expediting the rebuilding of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. The region suffered significant damage from the Dragon Bravo Fire, including the destruction of infrastructure such as the Grand Canyon Lodge. This has led to partial closures, affecting park staff and local communities.
The proposed legislation seeks to streamline federal contracting processes by granting emergency contracting authority to the National Park Service (NPS). This would allow bypassing standard delays for faster recovery efforts, which include forest management and infrastructure improvements. Additionally, it mandates that the NPS submit a comprehensive report to Congress every 180 days to ensure transparency.
Crane emphasized the importance of overcoming bureaucratic obstacles for efficient restoration. “While the Dragon Bravo Fire dealt a setback for Northern Arizona, we won’t let this tragedy define our future,” he said. The bill is co-sponsored by several members of Congress, including Rep. Andy Biggs and Chairmen Paul Gosar and Tom Tiffany.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors expressed support for the act, acknowledging its potential to help rebuild both physical structures and community spirit in the area.
Eli Crane represents Arizona’s 2nd district in Congress since replacing Tom O’Halleran in 2023. Born in Tucson in 1980, Crane currently resides in Oro Valley.
