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To learn more about how Hanson can partner with your airport to overcome a challenge or create a plan for the future, contact Aviation Discipline Manager Jeff Olson at jolson@hanson-inc.com. |
How does a general aviation airport in a small, Midwest town recover after a devastating strike from a major tornado?
On March 31, 2023, an EF3 tornado ripped through an area of Crawford County, near the town of Robinson, in southeastern Illinois. The massive storm, which caused three deaths and significant property damage in the area, destroyed Crawford County Airport (RSV).
Hanson has been proud to stand by this longtime client and honor a memorable and valued partnership. As a consultant, we’ve had the privilege of serving RSV for more than 25 years, with projects including runway extensions, taxiways, airfield lighting and airport master plan studies. Since the tornado, we have worked side by side with the county’s leadership to manage the repair and reconstruction process. In the wake of the storm’s damage to the airport, the team has been focused on returning RSV to a state of thriving aeronautical activity while serving its loyal customer base.
Timely planning
Long before the tornado hit, RSV was looking to the future with a master plan consisting of a narrative report and airport layout plan (ALP). RSV supports critical operations, including transportation for local corporate employers and rural medicine service access. To support these and RSV’s other uses, Hanson provided the study, which reviewed the critical aircraft for future facilities and runway length requirements; examined the feasibility of crosswind runway improvements under the current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) design standards; explored the need to open new areas for terminal-area development compared to maximizing the existing terminal area; identified opportunities to improve the planned parallel taxiways with the decommissioning of the on-site very high frequency omnidirectional range and the shift from ground-based to GPS instrument approaches; and reviewed the potential for instrument approach improvements to increase accessibility of the airport in poor weather.
Recovery funds
Immediately after the storm, RSV and Hanson revisited the plan and coordinated efforts to pursue funding from federal and state agencies for temporary facilities. The partnership pursued and received a state planning grant to create a new terminal area redevelopment plan and concept terminal design to update the ALP in anticipation of funding. Finally, in 2024, RSV received a grant from the highly competitive Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) federal program for $3.8 million to rebuild the terminal building.
“When challenged in the wake of the tornado, the Crawford County Airport Authority board and staff showed their resiliency and determination to swiftly rebuild and continue to serve the local and state aviation system,” said Jeff Olson, P.E., Hanson’s aviation discipline manager.
The tornado destroyed all the buildings on RSV’s property. Without development constraints in the terminal area, RSV chose to develop a plan that maximized the terminal area’s flexibility and utility while using the existing apron. The foundations for the T-hangars and adjoining pavement areas south of the terminal were reusable, so RSV made the decision to rebuild the T-hangars in place.
The revised study focused on locating the replacement facilities for the terminal building, box hangars, fuel system, electrical vault and airport beacon to identify a preferred long-term plan. To position RSV to compete for FAA BIL terminal grant funds, Hanson fast-tracked the project, while maintaining close coordination with the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics so the revised ALP and categorical exclusion document for the terminal could be approved before the grant submission. As part of this effort, Hanson held a planning charrette and communicated regularly with airport representatives to identify the preferred selection.
Partners through it all
During the project, Hanson’s assistance included providing guidance for necessary aviation notifications and closures; coordinating with state and federal agencies; assessing damaged equipment and infrastructure; and providing recommendations for damage mitigation, repair and replacement. In addition, Hanson has participated in observing improvements and repairs; developing proposals for planning, environmental, preliminary and schematic designs; and supplying construction documents for damage repairs and replacement.
In addition to the planning study, and in coordination with RSV’s terminal architect, Hanson assisted RSV with preparing the development cost estimates and a grant application. After RSV received the grant, Hanson received an appreciation letter from the airport’s leadership team. It read, in part:
“It was a tremendous amount of work, but we’re excited about the first-class airport we got in the end. The facilities are well suited for supporting our local community for decades to come. This was made possible by Hanson’s help and that of many others.”
The Illinois Public Airport Association awarded the project its 2025 Construction Project of the Year, and members of Hanson’s project team proudly attended the Nov. 19, 2025, ribbon-cutting event for RSV’s new terminal, T-hangars and other reconstructed elements.
Our employee-owned firm will always support our clients, whether through day-to-day aviation needs, innovative thought leadership and consulting or emergency reconstruction. Partnerships built on trust make a difference.
