Overhaul of Big Bend's Chisos Mountains Lodge called off

The big picture: The National Park Service had planned a multimillion-dollar project to rebuild the Chisos Mountains Lodge and other Chisos Basin facilities.

• Construction was slated to begin on May 1 and would have closed the area for roughly two years.

What they're saying: "Since the project's approval and budget allocation in 2019, unforeseen challenges, including design complexities and implementation delays, have significantly extended the timeline," per an NPS announcement.

• "Additionally, construction costs have risen sharply since 2019, resulting in a substantial budget shortfall."

State of play: The NPS plans to request bids for rehabilitating the Chisos Basin water system, excluding the lodge rebuild and other upgrades.

• A timeline is still being finalized.

Context: Built in 1964, the lodge houses a restaurant, gift shop and administrative offices. The mid-century modern structure's large windows offer stunning views, but unstable clay soils have severely damaged the foundation and other key parts of the building.

• The rebuild would have been funded by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund.

What's next: Big Bend National Park, including the Chisos Basin, remains fully open to visitors.