Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) has introduced the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025, a bill aimed at expediting the rebuilding of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim after the Dragon Bravo Fire destroyed much of its infrastructure, including the Grand Canyon Lodge. The fire has left parts of the North Rim closed, impacting park staff, nearby communities, and residents.
The proposed legislation seeks to streamline the federal contracting process by granting emergency contracting authority to the National Park Service (NPS). This would allow NPS to bypass standard delays in order to speed up recovery efforts. The bill covers all aspects of fire-related recovery such as forest management, maintenance, rebuilding, and infrastructure improvements. It also requires NPS to submit a comprehensive report to Congress every 180 days for increased transparency and accountability.
Rep. Crane emphasized the importance of swift action: “While the Dragon Bravo Fire dealt a setback for Northern Arizona, we won’t let this tragedy define our future. We have an opportunity to rebuild stronger and better than before, and we can’t let unnecessary regulations get in the way,” said Rep. Crane. “This legislation paves the way for an efficient recovery, and I’m grateful for the bipartisan support on this approach. I also want to thank our heroic firefighters and first responders who brought the fire to full containment, as well as the local leaders in Coconino County who are committed to restoring this treasured place.”
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors expressed support for Crane’s initiative: “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 Board.
The bill is cosponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Chairman Paul Gosar (R-AZ) from Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-WI) from Subcommittee on Federal Lands, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), and Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT).
Eli Crane currently serves in Congress representing Arizona’s 2nd district since 2023; he was born in Tucson in 1980 and resides in Oro Valley.
