Grand Canyon officials say hotels, mule rides and restaurants at the South Rim will remain open to millions of visitors once they award a temporary concessions contract.
It would only be a temporary agreement while the National Park Service searches for a long term vendor.
Xanterra Parks and Resorts is currently the lead vendor at the Grand Canyon, but it was notified by the National Park Service last year that it had reached its limit on contract extensions. The company started work at the Grand Canyon 90 years ago when it was known as the Fred Harvey Company.
Xanterra has filed a lawsuit against the National Park Service claiming it should be repaid $200 million for capital improvements it made at Grand Canyon.
Meanwhile, Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga announced Monday that a new 15-year services contract worth up to $1 billion at the South Rim remains up for bid.
It’s the third time the park service has asked for proposals because previous bids didn't meet the park's terms.
He said that temporary contract will not be awarded before the end of December.