Freese and Nichols conducted a study to identify recreational, flooding and environmental opportunities within the Elm Fork Stemmons area. This included portions of the Elm Fork of the Trinity River as well as tributaries Richards, Wesco and Daniels. The study recommended several projects such as trails, parks, Brownfield reclamation, canoe launches, levees, stormwater pump stations, road crossings and wetland creation. Extensive public involvement was provided.

Based on study findings, the City hired FNI to design the preferred flooding alternative which was to provide flood protection for approximately 475 acres of primarily developed industrial land. This flood prevention project required a proposed levee to prevent spillover split flow water from the Elm Fork from spilling into the industrial area.

In addition, to mitigate increased water surface elevations along the Elm Fork from the split flow removal, a series of wetlands were created and removal and on-going maintenance of an invasive species (privet) was proposed to increase flood conveyance along the Elm Fork. This project removed $27 million of tax appraised structure value from the Elm Fork floodplain.