Texas Shines Bright: 2025 OPAL Gala Texas Nominees
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) will honor outstanding leaders in civil engineering at the 2025 OPAL (Outstanding Projects and Leaders) Gala on October 10, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. This year, the Lone Star State takes center stage with several standout honorees and projects—demonstrating why “Texas Shines Bright” is more than just a theme—it’s a reality.
Each year, the OPAL Gala recognizes individuals whose lifetime accomplishments have made significant contributions to civil engineering. In 2025, Texas civil engineers are being recognized for their innovation, impact, and dedication to the profession.
Meet the Texas OPAL Leadership Award Winner
Design
Lawrence Griffis PE, F.SEI, M.ASCE; senior consultant, Walter P. Moore, Houston – for structural engineering expertise with particular accomplishment as a pioneer in the design of retractable roof technology for major sports stadiums.
In addition to individual leaders, ASCE OCEA award honors the project that best illustrates superior civil engineering skills and represents a significant contribution to civil engineering progress and society. Texas is home to groundbreaking civil engineering projects nominated for national recognition:
Bois d’Arc Lake Program
Location: Bonham, Texas
Completed: March 2023
Total Project Cost: $1.6 billion
Owner: North Texas Municipal Water District
Lead Designer: Freese and Nichols
A project two decades in the making, the Bois d’Arc Lake Program provides a crucial new water source for more than 2 million people in North Texas.
Northeast Transmission Line
Location: Houston
Completed: December 2023
Total Project Cost: $347.8 million
Owner: Houston Public Works
Lead Designer: Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam
The line extends 16.5 miles across the north side of Houston to convey 360 million gallons of treated surface water per day, serving 900,000 people.
Project 11: Houston Ship Channel Expansion, Segments 1-2
Location: Houston
Completed: pending
Total Project Cost: $640 million
Owner: Port Houston
Lead Designer: AECOM and GBA (joint venture)
Project 11 includes widening the Houston Ship Channel at its Galveston Bay reach, widening the Bayport and Barbours Cut Channels, deepening upstream segments, and constructing 10 acres of bird islands, 276 acres of intertidal marsh, 324 acres of oyster reefs, and over 600 acres of future operation and maintenance capacity.
From the sprawling plains of West Texas to the booming metros of Austin, Houston, and Dallas, Texas civil engineers are shaping the future—boldly, creatively, and sustainably. Their work reflects a deep commitment to innovation, equity, and resilience—core values that echo throughout the OPAL Gala’s mission.
Along with the OPAL nominees, Reginald DesRoches, Ph.D, F.SEI, NAE, Dist.M.ASCE, president of Rice University and professor of both civil and environmental engineering and mechanical engineering, has been honored with election by ASCE for its class of 2025 distinguished members. He is recognized for his notable contributions to the development of effective national policies on disaster mitigation and community resilience, as well as his leadership and mentorship in improving engineering education.
As we prepare to celebrate their achievements on the national stage this October, one thing is clear: Texas doesn’t just build big—it builds smart, strong, and for the future.
For more information on the 2025 OPAL Gala and this year’s nominees, visit bit.ly/TexasOPAL
