About Us
Get to Know Us
At Franson Civil, our focus is on working closely with our clients to understand their needs and deliver sound, practical water resources engineering.
Franson Civil was founded because Jay Franson wanted to do more. After advancing his career with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, he grew tired of the bureaucracy and red tape that often came with large federal projects. He wanted to get out into the field and really make a difference in the lives of the people responsible for managing water throughout Utah and the western United States.
In 1989, Jay founded Franson Civil with a business partner and the help of his kids. What started as a small family effort was built on the belief that good engineering begins by listening to clients and understanding the challenges they face every day. Jay especially enjoyed working with farmers and irrigators on projects that made better use of limited water resources. He had a unique ability to see the big picture, bring people together, and help different organizations work toward a common goal.
As the firm grew, Jay never stopped teaching. He mentored the engineers who joined the company, reminding us that the client always comes first. More importantly, he taught us to never lose sight of why we do this work.
There is nothing more rewarding than the feeling we get when we help improve someone’s life, business, or family because of the work we’ve done together.
That philosophy continues to guide Franson Civil today. We’ve intentionally remained a close-knit firm because relationships matter to us. While our size may not reflect the scope of our work, we’ve been trusted to deliver some of the West’s most significant dam rehabilitation, pressurized irrigation, and water infrastructure projects. We like to say we punch above our weight class, not because of our size, but because of the people on our team and the relationships we’ve built with our clients.
Water is the lifeblood of the West, so we plan, design, and improve the water systems communities depend on.
Water is the lifeblood of the West, so we plan, design, and improve the water systems communities depend on.
Our Values
Why
We assist the people responsible for developing, managing, and conserving water resources by providing practical engineering solutions and dependable support.
What
We help people solve water challenges by planning, designing, building, and supporting water infrastructure projects from concept through long-term operations.
How
We deliver lasting value by investing in our people, solving problems thoughtfully, and building strong partnerships with the clients, agencies, & communities we serve.
We help communities, water managers, and public agencies care for the water resources they depend on through practical engineering, dependable service, and trusted partnerships.
Mission
To be the trusted partner communities and water managers rely on to develop, manage, and sustain water resources—while building a firm where people thrive, relationships endure, and practical solutions create lasting impact for generations to come.
Vision
Meet Our Leadership
Our experience in water resources engineering is built on the knowledge and dedication of our people. Franson Civil’s three principals lead a team of engineers, designers, field personnel, and support staff who work together to help clients find practical solutions. Their leadership and hands-on experience help guide our teams and keep projects moving in the right direction. Get to know our principals and the experience they bring to our work.
Eric Franson, P.E.
Eric believes great engineering starts with strong relationships. As President of Franson Civil Engineers, he is committed to helping clients solve complex water challenges through trusted partnerships, practical engineering, and dependable service. He works closely with municipalities, irrigation companies, and public agencies to guide projects from planning and funding through design, construction, and long-term operations.
A former collegiate and professional basketball player, Eric brings a team approach to every project, fostering collaboration within Franson Civil and among clients and stakeholders. He also serves as President of the ACEC Utah Water Committee and served as a member of the Utah Drinking Water Board for eight years, helping advance water resources throughout Utah.
Eric’s experience includes dams, irrigation systems, canals, water storage facilities, culinary water systems, and other water infrastructure throughout the West. He has led projects involving master planning, funding acquisition, agency coordination, construction oversight, and water management planning.
PrincipAL
Layne Jensen, P.E.
Layne specializes in complex water resource projects involving environmental compliance, regulatory coordination, and technical design. He helps clients confidently navigate projects where engineering, environmental stewardship, and stakeholder collaboration all play an important role.
His experience includes municipal water systems, wells, pump stations, irrigation systems, flood control facilities, groundwater modeling, tunnel rehabilitation, and dam rehabilitation. Layne has managed projects from planning and permitting through design, bidding, and construction.
Known for his steady leadership and practical approach, Layne works closely with clients and agencies to identify challenges early, develop effective solutions, and keep projects on schedule while protecting long-term community and environmental interests.
PrincipAL
Chad believes successful projects are built on strong relationships, thoughtful planning, and clear communication. With more than 20 years of experience, he guides water resource projects from feasibility studies through design, construction, and long-term operations.
Chad has extensive experience with municipal and agricultural water systems, pipelines, canals, reservoirs, dam rehabilitation, and environmental planning. He works closely with clients, funding agencies, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to build consensus, solve challenges, and keep projects moving forward.
Whether leading a multidisciplinary team, overseeing construction, or helping clients navigate competing priorities, Chad is known for his steady leadership, practical thinking, and commitment to seeing projects through from beginning to end.
PrincipAL
Chad Brown, P.E.
