Musser said several measures could markedly improve drainage and keep homes in the low-lying area from flooding. The current gravity system is an old exfiltration model, which consists of pipes with holes in it to disperse water. Musser said the system will not work in Heritage Run because the ground is low-lying and saturated. Musser gave a cautious endorsement that the two recommended projects would prevent homes from flooding. He said some homes had been poorly constructed with inadequate grades.
Several homes have floor elevations the same as the crest of the streets in the neighborhood.
He also cautioned that he could not verify unofficial reports of 30 inches of rain from Hurricane Georges that precipitated the most recent flooding. He said reports from Fort Walton Beach showed roughly 14 inches of rain, in line with state estimates for a 100-year storm. Musser was optimistic homes would not flood with a 14-inch rain. Interim city manager Jill Scroggs said she is unsure when the Heritage Run project could get under way. Additional engineering and survey work has to be completed before construction can begin.