Governor Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) is announcing the release of relief funds for small businesses affected by the Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires as containment efforts continue.
The Dragon Bravo wildfire, which ignited in early July after a lightning strike, has devastated the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, notably destroying the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, which opened in 1937.
Tourism businesses surrounding the Grand Canyon have also suffered, with the famous Canyon Trail Rides, a family-owned mule trip group operating for over 40 years, forced to refund $100,000 in prepaid reservations after its reservation office burned down.
Thankfully, with the Dragon Bravo Fire's containment at 62% and the White Sage Fire contained at 95%, rebuilding efforts are mobilizing.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued an Administrative Declaration of Economic Injury Disaster for Arizona, allowing small businesses in Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai counties, along with the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Havasupai Tribe, Hualapai Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, to obtain low-interest loans through the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
"Small businesses are the lifeblood of Arizona's economy," Gov. Hobbs said in her press release, adding, "Recent wildfires have taken a devastating toll on North Rim communities and businesses, creating financial hardship and putting livelihoods in jeopardy. Arizonans who work hard and provide jobs to our neighbors should know that we have their back. That's why we are unlocking critical financial support to help our businesses recover and keep Arizona workers and families strong. I'm grateful to the U.S. Small Business Administration for their support."
In late July, Representative Eli Crane (R-AZ) proposed waiving environmental restrictions so businesses can rebuild more quickly after the devastation.
"We're talking about possibly doing some NEPA waivers, waiving environmental reviews and just trying to fast-track this as quickly as we can to get that historic structure back up and running again," said Rep. Crane.
