Jefferson County — Drainage District 6 didn’t have to look far for its new General Manager, naming its District Engineer to the top spot and a role overseeing drainage projects in an area that encompasses about 40% of northern Jefferson County and an area that is nearly 1/2 the size of Rhode Island.

The Jefferson County Drainage District No. 6 (DD6) Board of Directors has announced that it has extended an offer to Wallace R. “Butch” Wilson, P.E., to serve as the district’s new General Manager. His start date is Monday, August 18.

The decision follows what DD6 calls a thorough selection process and reflects the Board’s confidence in Mr. Wilson’s leadership abilities, technical expertise, and deep familiarity with the district’s mission and operations.

“As general manager of DD6, Butch will manage the daily operations of the district within the budget set by the Board,” said Joshua W. Allen, Sr., Board President. “The Board has the utmost confidence that he is the best leader to set the vision for the district’s continued success. Butch will bring to DD6 his extensive background in engineering, drainage, utilities, and infrastructure from both the private and public sectors. His many years of experience with the district have been critical in successfully designing drainage projects that have resulted in currently managed public works project grants totaling over $110 million. He is a proven leader and will continue to drive growth and expansion of drainage improvements within our community.”

Mr. Wilson’s professional journey with DD6 began in 1999 as a contract services engineer. He founded and led LEAP Engineering, an internationally recognized civil engineering firm, before joining DD6 in a leadership role. For the past five years, he has headed the district’s engineering department, overseeing design and construction efforts that have significantly enhanced the region’s flood mitigation capabilities.

In addition to his DD6 work, Mr. Wilson previously served as Director of Maintenance for the Texas Department of Transportation’s Beaumont District, where he managed an eight-county budget, supervised more than 200 employees, and oversaw maintenance of 6,000 miles of roadway. His combined private and public sector experience spans more than 40 years.

“As General Manager of DD6, I will focus my efforts on expanding and improving the performance of the drainage system in Jefferson County to further reduce the risk of future flooding,” Mr. Wilson said. “I have been directly involved in designing and constructing projects with DD6 since 1999, and I am proud of the work the district does to provide flood relief for Jefferson and the surrounding counties. I will strive to expand our growth and enhance our infrastructure for the benefit of future generations.”

Under Mr. Wilson’s guidance, DD6 anticipates advancing new infrastructure initiatives, securing additional funding for major projects, and strengthening partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to protect Jefferson County residents from flooding risks.

About Jefferson County Drainage District No. 6

Jefferson County Drainage District No. 6 is dedicated to the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of drainage infrastructure to protect lives, property, and the environment. Serving Jefferson County and surrounding areas, DD6 works to mitigate flood risks through effective engineering, proactive maintenance, and long-term community planning.

Jefferson County Drainage District No. 6 (DD6) was established in 1920, DD6 serves Beaumont, Bevil Oaks, China, Nome and the communities of Fannett, Northwest Forest, Hillebrandt Acres, Cheek and LaBelle as well as farm and timber land in between. DD6 controls storm and flood waters from rivers, streams and ditches, and drains and reclaims overflowed lands. DD6 services about 40% of northern Jefferson County, an area almost 1/2 the size of the state of Rhode Island. Within this area there are over 1091 linear miles of streams, ditches and outfalls, all under the jurisdiction and control of DD6. Since the inception of the DD6, Jefferson County has relinquished most of its flood control and drainage activities to DD6 for those properties located within the District boundaries. All incorporated and unincorporated areas rely heavily on DD6 to provide outfall drainage and flood relief.

WALLACE R. WILSON, P.Е.

DISTRICT ENGINEER

PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW

My professional career encompasses every facet of leadership from management of a large-intensive workforce to building a successful Engineering Firm.

WORK EXPERIENCE

District Engineer

Drainage District 6, Beaumont 2020-Present

My position as District Engineer has given me expertise and insight into DD6 operations that can only be gained by being part of DD6.

-My role at DD6 includes engineering, employee supervision, grant procurement, construction management, budget, public relations, and future project identification.

-I meet with the citizens and public officials to identify drainage needs and develop positive public relations for the District.

-I am responsible for the design and maintenance of all DD6 assets. This responsibility is required to maintain the District’s operations

Director of Maintenance

TxDOT, Beaumont

As Director of Maintenance in the Beaumont District I managed over 200 personnel and 6000 miles of roadway in 8 Counties including Jefferson County.

-My responsibilities included maintaining the budget, material, and equipment selection for the entire Beaumont District

-I created the first operations crew that specialized in work that was traditionally bid out to contractors.

Owner

LEAP Engineering, LLC, Beaumont 1999-2017

As owner of LEAP Engineering, I was responsible for procuring work to sustain the business.

-I managed the budget and personnel for multiple offices across the state.

-I was the consultant for DD6 during my ownership of LEAP Engineering.

-The most substantial project I was involved in was the Taylors Bayou Watershed Project and the Needmore structure.

Area Engineer

TxDOT, Beaumont 1985-1999

-I managed the construction and maintenance in 8 Counties including Jefferson County.

-I managed the design and construction of multiple major projects along IH10.

-The cost of the construction projects along IH 10 exceeded 100 million dollars.

-I held public hearings and public meetings for all the projects.