Armando Gutierrez, public works director for the city of Port Arthur, saw things for himself about flooding issues in the Dominion Ranch subdivision in Port Arthur Monday evening.

He met with several residents who shared their concerns about frequent flooding. Resident Jenna Dean said they had no problems with flooding before Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey hovered over the area. The residents said debris from new home construction is clogging up drainage and creating the flooding.

Resident Troy DeVillier wanted to know if the drainage problems in the subdivision would be solved before hurricane season starts June 1. Gutierrez said city crews are working hard, but things started slow because of loss of equipment and the large piles of debris needed to be picked up.

He added that the Texas Department of Transportation and Jefferson County will help expedite work and everyone needs to work together.

He told the subdivision residents they can call him directly and he’s willing to work with them.

DeVillier was concerned two-inches of silt from debris can change the dynamic of the water flow.

“It compounds it every time the silt lines up,” DeVillier said.

Gutierrez said he will meet with the city’s drainage district Tuesday and schedule a time to come back. He will come back with new vacuum lines for the manholes as needed. He said a plywood board blocking one drain was removed and the other manholes were clean when last checked and didn’t need to be vacuumed.

“We’ll work on this,” he said. “I have nothing to hide. We’ll open the other end and see what comes out (in the drain).”

Before Monday’s evening meeting it was thought Harold Doucet Sr., District 4 City Councilman and Dominion Ranch’s Councilman, would be there. DeVillier said he spoke with Doucet who said he will be there Wednesday evening.