Businesses and lawmakers press for emergency authority to rebuild North Rim after Dragon Bravo fire

Representative Crane and local business witnesses told the House Committee on Natural Resources’ Federal Lands subcommittee that the Dragon Bravo fire inflicted catastrophic damage on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim and that emergency contracting authority is needed to speed reconstruction.

"For us, the canyon is our home," said John Dillon, executive director of the Grand Canyon River Outfitters Association, describing businesses that run river trips and calling the North Rim the region’s "economic epicenter." Dillon testified that "In 2022, the North Rim visitors pumped almost $73,000,000 into those rural communities," and said many small businesses face existential financial strain without faster rebuilding.

Representative Crane described the North Rim Restoration Act as legislation to give the Department of the Interior emergency contracting authority "to rebuild critical infrastructure, restore forest health, and reopen the North Rim for residents and visitors alike," and that the Park Service would submit a report to Congress every 180 days to ensure accountability.

Local officials reinforced the economic case. Wilcox Mayor Greg Hancock said redesignations like Chiricahua’s could boost tourism, and several members pressed witnesses on feasibility and oversight measures built into the bill.

Outcome: Committee members expressed bipartisan urgency but did not take a formal vote during the hearing; the record was held open for written follow-up.