Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources unanimously advanced the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), would expedite the rebuild of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon by streamlining the federal contracting process.
 
Following the devastation of the Dragon Bravo Fire, Rep. Crane met with park staff, small business owners, and local leaders to coordinate a federal response. Across the board, stakeholders agreed that granting the National Park Service (NPS) emergency contracting authority is one of the most effective ways to fast-track recovery efforts and avoid unnecessary delays.
 
Rep. Crane introduced the bill on October 9, 2025, and last month, the House Committee on Natural Resources held a critical hearing to examine the legislation. John Dillon, a constituent, small business owner, and lifelong advocate for the Grand Canyon, testified before the committee, outlining the fire’s impact on park staff, gateway communities, and local businesses.
 
Specifically, Rep. Crane’s legislation 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 maximize transparency and accountability.
 
In addition to unanimous support from the committee, the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025 has earned key endorsements from local and national leaders. At the federal level, Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ), Celeste Maloy (R-UT), and Tom Tiffany (R-WI) have joined as original cosponsors. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has also endorsed the legislation, underscoring broad bipartisan backing.
 
With the park’s summer season quickly approaching, Rep. Crane is pushing for timely floor consideration.

“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.
 
“Today, the North Rim Restoration Act of 2025 cleared a major hurdle in the lengthy legislative process. With a unanimous, bipartisan vote of approval, we are one step closer toward eliminating obstructive red tape and accelerating recovery efforts,” said Rep. Crane. “On behalf of my constituents, we’re grateful for the leadership of Chairman Bruce Westerman and his outstanding committee staff, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and everyone who has played a role in advancing this critical legislation. I urge leadership to bring this bill to the floor as soon as possible.”
 
“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.