From 2016-2017 the population of Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex grew by 146,238 people, making it the fastest growing urban area in the United States (US Census, 2017). Located in North Texas within the Trinity River Basin, the commercial, residential, recreational, and infrastructural systems making up the thirteen counties of the metroplex have been moving quickly to adjust and accommodate the rapid population increase. Starting at the Texas-Oklahoma border the Trinity River travels southeast 512 miles to Galveston Bay, where it flows into the Gulf of Mexico (Trinity River Basin), making it the third largest river in the state. The watershed consists of the river, tributaries, streams, creeks, wetlands, habitats for wildlife and aquatic species, grasslands, forests, migratory bird flyways, levees, bridges, reservoirs, drains, roads, and recreation areas. This watershed has also become an important part of a larger system of urban flood control, storm water and water drainage management for the metroplex. In many respects, the Trinity River and by extension, the Trinity Watershed, form the ecological spine of the metroplex, as the watershed system shapes and is in turn shaped by urban flows. Dozens of cities, towns and municipalities line the Trinity River and they are all impacted by changes in river levels. Residents and commercial entities will pay a premium to be located near water, and thus, developments are rapidly increasing along the Trinity River’s 512-mile length.

Transportation, and the related infrastructure, also greatly influence urban watersheds. The Texas transportation network is a complex system of various modes that allows people and goods to circulate throughout the state and sustain national and international transportation (Savonis, Burkett, & Potter, 2008). As one of the state’s strongest economic engines, the DFW Metroplex is riddled with extensive transportation and infrastructure networks. Representing 7% of land in the state of Texas, the Trinity River Watershed is a relevant model for gaining insight into the interactions between watershed management and the management of transportation infrastructure.

The effects of climate change on urban watersheds must also be evaluated and addressed. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and other regional governmental reports indicate that many areas in the world will experience up to 25% increased precipitation, changes in stormwater runoff and more frequent storms with higher intensities, resulting in severe impacts on public infrastructure and the ecosystem (Schweikert et al., 2014). Furthermore, rapid urbanization can exacerbate flood vulnerability (due to what? and can you give a reference?).

Again, the Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex and Trinity Watershed represent relevant models for understanding effects related to climate change and flooding. In May 2015, Dallas-Fort Worth experienced flash flooding that exposed the state’s transportation and stormwater infrastructure susceptibility and lack of resilience to natural hazards. Previous building standards, codes and practices of transportation and infrastructures that were established without considering the new climatic trends, are outdated and not prepared to meet the emerging natural challenges predicted. Based on the 2017 Infrastructure Report Card by American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Texas infrastructures including dams, flood control, drinking water, and waste water received the grade of D, which means poor to fair condition and mostly below standard with many elements approaching the end of their service life. This situation is not unique (try to tie this back to a bigger issue in the US or globally, if possible, to remind them this is a relevant model for other areas).