Nearly a year after flooding from Tropical Storm Harvey engulfed much of the city, Unite Port Arthur Political Action Committee is trying to help citizens find solutions to ease the flooding and answers to rumors that have swirled around the city since last August.

Former state lawmaker Carl Parker will attend and said he hopes the community can get answers.

In June, the area received six-10 inches of rain over the span of a couple of days, causing some roads and property to flood.

“We’re hoping to get some suggestions from the people in charge from Drainage District 7 and from the county and from the city of Port Arthur of what, if anything, can be done to get us ready in the future,” Parker said. “It seems as though there’s not enough cooperation from the county, Port Neches, Groves, Nederland and Port Arthur. For example, Drainage District 7 can’t even apply for grants. They have to do it through the city. Maybe a bond issue is in store for them. If that’s the case, then people need to know it and need to support it.”

Parker said Jefferson County Precinct 3 Commissioner Michael Sinegal, DD7 Manager Phil Kelley, Port Arthur Public Works Director Armando Gutierrez, Finance Director Andrew Vasquez and Director of Development Services/Assistant City Manager Ron Burton will attend.

Sinegal said he understands people might be tired of meetings.

“People still need their homes repaired,” he said. “People want action. Some need doors, some need entire roofs. People are tired of meetings, but it’s a necessary evil.

“It’s a way to get more
information until the money
starts flowing. It can be beneficial if we all get on the same page — the drainage district, the city and the citizens.”

Sinegal said everyone is going to have to step up.

“It’s on the drainage district to tell the people about the projects that they are applying for in Port Arthur with the seawall. The citizens have to keep their ditches cut and keep them clean.

“The city needs to make sure they are deep enough and that they are being maintained. We need to make sure we are doing everything we can to assist those agencies. That’s our role.”

Parker said he hopes the meeting will clear up some rumors that have spread throughout Port Arthur.

“I heard that the pump wasn’t turned on,” Parker said. “That’s not true. People ask why one of them quit. I know, now, why, but the people need to know.”

Parker said he hopes people will attend with an open mind.

“It’s not a session to just complain,” he said. “It’s a session to get information and for us to think about the future and what we can do as a united community. I’m hoping we can get some of those answers and leave there with some unity among the people about how we get ready for a future Harvey flood.”

The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center.