Efforts to rebuild structures located in the North Rim of the Grand Canyon may be speeded up if a bill under review in the U.S. Senate wins approval.
Last summer a lightning strike sparked what is now officially called the Dragon Bravo Fire, a conflagration that eventually destroyed more than 100 structures, including the nearly century-old Grand Canyon Lodge.
By the time the fire was finally burned out, officials estimated that more than 145,000 acres had been destroyed, with property damage estimated about $135 million.
Members of the U.S. House have now given their unanimous approval to the North Rim Restoration Act, which is designed to authorize a fast-track rebuilding process spearheaded by the National Park Service.
In a press release issued by Arizona Republican Congressman Eli Crane it was noted that the legislation will give the National Park Service “emergency contracting authority” designed to eliminate “bureaucratic hurdles that have historically slowed federal rebuilds.”
The measure will apply to both the building of new structures as well as infrastructure improvements. The bill additionally tasks the NPS with providing Congress with comprehensive updates on the North Rim rebuilding effort every six months.
According to Congressional reporters, the measure is expected to win easy passage in the Senate.
The Grand Canyon Lodge, distinguished by its stonework, had been placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
March 27, 2026
By Garry Boulard
Photo courtesy of National Park Service
