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The DFW area has been on a long stretch of steady population growth for more than 20 years, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The 16-county region making up North Texas was expected to increase from 6.5 million to more than 9 million residents by 2023.

In the last 15 years, multiple Fortune 500 Companies have moved headquarters to the DFW area. Around 1000 people arrive in North Texas daily in search of jobs, affordable housing, and countless other opportunities the area has to offer. As the population continues to rise, so does the demand for water. For more than 45 years, Southland Holdings has been a part of the solution, providing more than one million feet of water pipeline across Texas.

“We are proud to be part of providing residents of Texas the critical infrastructure needed to get through day-to-day life” – Rudy Renda

The IPL Partners, a joint venture between Southland companies Oscar Renda Contracting (ORC) and Southland Contracting (SCI) and Johnson Brothers (JBC), was involved in constructing portions of one of the largest water infrastructure projects in North Texas for the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) and Dallas Water Utilities (DWU).

The $2.3 Billion Integrated Pipeline project consists of 150-mile pipeline, which has been split into various smaller sections, and has helped meet water demands in rapidly growing Tarrant, Dallas, and surrounding counties. The pipeline extends from Lake Palestine in East Texas to Lake Benbrook just south of Fort Worth. Southland was awarded four of the sections for the project.

IPL 19

IPL partners were awarded IPL 19 in the Summer of 2020. The project consisted of 37,120-linear-feet of 84-in water line including 14,672-linear-feet in tunnels and is projected to be completed in 2024.

IPL 17

The IPL Section 17 consisted of 3,802-linear-feet of 108-inch water line, including 2,614-linear-feet of tunnel under the Trinity River and the remainder in deep open-cut segments along the alignment of Section 17. The project reached a major milestone in February 2020 when Trinity, the 16-ft Robbins TBM, made its hole through. Workers then added 50-foot sections of 108-inch diameter steel pipe into the tunnel. This section of the project was completed in 2022.

IPL 10-11

IPL 10-11 in Mansfield was the company’s second section and was completed in 2018. The project involved the installation of 66,847-linear-feet of 84-inch welded steel water line by a combination of open-cut and tunneling methods. Work also included the installation of valves and related appurtenances, installation of cathodic protection system and various site, civil and roadway improvements, installation of an 84-in owner provided butterfly valve and related structures.

IPL 15-1

ORC started this portion of IPL 15-1 in 2014. The project is in Navarro County and more than 15-miles of 108-inch diameter raw water pipeline, spans more than 70 private parcels and includes 15 stream crossings, 15 road crossings, and one railroad crossing. The project was divided into three sections alphabetically. ORC’s portion was segment B and consisted of 25,479-linear-feet of 108-inch waterline by a combination of open-cut and tunneling methods. ORC’s portion was completed in 2015 and eight months ahead of segments A and C.

Rod Fisher’s journey in the construction industry spans an impressive 47 years, marked by dedication, hard work, and a passion ignited during his middle school days. His introduction to Oscar Renda in 1972, as a coach and history teacher, laid the foundation for a lifelong connection. After an initial separation following Fisher’s 8th-grade triumph in football, fate brought them back together when Rod sought employment years later. Renda, now heading Oscar Renda Contracting, welcomed him with open arms, promising to teach him the ropes.

Joining Oscar Renda Contracting on August 15, 1975, as a green but eager learner, Fisher started as a laborer, emphasizing the importance of every role in the construction process. Evenings were spent honing his skills on equipment, and his diligence quickly earned him a promotion to his “dream job” – an equipment operator. Rod recognized early on that hard work opened doors, and the company offered ample opportunities for those willing to prove themselves.

“I showed up and was green as grass, but was eager to learn,” he said. “I saw some equipment there and right then I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Promotions followed as Rod demonstrated loyalty and took on challenging projects. In 1983, he stepped into his first managerial role as a Foreman in Odessa, Texas, learning invaluable lessons about teamwork and working with project owners. The company’s growth paralleled Rod’s ascent, and in 2000, he was entrusted with his first project as a Superintendent. Managing the SAWS Dos Rios to Salado Project showcased the leadership’s genuine concern for employee growth.

In 2008, a pivotal moment arrived when Rod managed a significant pipeline project in California. Subsequent involvement in a major tunnel project in Northern California demonstrated the company’s diversity, with Rod relishing the experience. Over the years, he’s been part of over 40 projects, taking him from coast to coast and currently finding himself engaged in a project in New Orleans. Rod Fisher’s story is one of dedication, growth, and a testament to the opportunities that unfold when hard work meets passion.