Rep. Crane’s Bill to Accelerate Grand Canyon Recovery Unanimously Passes U.S. House

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025, legislation introduced by Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) to expedite the rebuild of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The bill would streamline the federal contracting process in order to speed up recovery efforts.

Last July, a lightning strike sparked the Dragon Bravo Fire, which devastated the North Rim and surrounding communities. More than 100 structures were destroyed, including the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, leading to decreased tourism, reduced revenue, and significant hardship for park staff, small businesses, and gateway communities.

In the aftermath of the fire, Rep. Crane visited the region to meet with small business owners, park staff, and local officials to hear their ideas for an appropriate federal response. Stakeholders consistently emphasized that granting the National Park Service (NPS) emergency contracting authority would be one of the most effective ways to accelerate recovery efforts and avoid unnecessary delays.

On October 9, 2025, Rep. Crane formally introduced the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025. The legislation grants the NPS emergency contracting authority, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that have historically slowed federal rebuilds. The bill covers all fire-related efforts, including forest management, maintenance, rebuilding, and infrastructure improvements. It also requires the NPS to submit a comprehensive report to Congress every 180 days to ensure transparency and accountability.

The legislation has earned broad bipartisan support throughout the legislative process, including endorsements from the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, the Chairwoman of the Congressional Western Caucus, and key members of the Arizona delegation. The House Committee on Natural Resources unanimously advanced the bill on January 22, 2026, following testimony from John Dillon, a constituent, small business owner, and lifelong advocate for the Grand Canyon. Mr. Dillon briefed members on the scale of the destruction and urged swift passage on behalf of rural Arizonans who have dealt with tremendous uncertainty and financial loss from the disaster.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Rep. Crane believes this legislation sends a strong message that our nation treasures its iconic landmarks and protects rural communities. With the House delivering a resounding vote of approval, he is calling on the Senate to finish the job as soon as possible.

To read the legislation, please click here.

"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.

"Five months ago, I introduced the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025 after listening to folks on the ground who were directly impacted by this devastating fire. Whether speaking with small business owners, local officials, or park staff, it became clear that removing red tape and bureaucratic hurdles would benefit all stakeholders. Today's unanimous vote sends a clear message that America refuses to abandon our iconic landmarks and storied communities. This timely response would not be possible without the leadership of Chairman Westerman, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and everyone else who helped build this blueprint. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to embrace our strong momentum and send this critical bill to the president's desk," said Rep. Eli Crane.