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History

In January 1912 the United States Department of Agriculture and the Jefferson County Commissioners Court agreed that for the future development and settlement of this area a drainage survey and drainage plan was a must for Jefferson County. The cost for this survey was estimated at $15,000 and work began April 8th and was completed December 1, 1912. This was the first organized attempt for structured drainage in Jefferson County.

By early 1944 Nederland and Port Neches were trying to initiate moves toward the formation of local drainage districts. Drainage District No. 4 (covering Pear Ridge and Port Acres) was established but inactive. In February 1944 the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce was sponsoring the creation of a drainage district for Mid & South Jefferson County, which would eventually pave the way for the creation of Drainage District No. 7.

In November 1945 authorization by County Court to set the boundaries for Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 were outlined and recommendations for drainage improvements given. Proposed improvements to the District would total $1.6 million. Organization of Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 was voted in February 1946.



In November of 1961 the consolidation of Jefferson County Drainage District No. 4 with Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 was put to a general election in which consolidation of the two districts was voted in. On November 27, 1961 Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 assumed the responsibility for the operations of Jefferson County Drainage District No. 4.

After experiencing high tides and spot flooding from Hurricane Carla in 1961, a hurricane protection system was added to the District for a cost of $84 million, with the District supporting 30% of cost.

Today Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 covers the needs for Drainage and Hurricane Protection for 107.5 square miles of South Jefferson County.