Santa Rosa County completes $4 million drainage improvements in Ranchettes subdivision

Santa Rosa County completes $4 million drainage improvements in Ranchettes subdivision

Santa Rosa County has completed a major drainage improvement project in the Ranchettes subdivision aimed at reducing flooding and improving stormwater management. The nearly $4 million project was funded through FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), administered by the Florida Division of Emergency Management, in response to damages caused by Hurricane Sally in 2020.

"I am excited to share the completion of the Ranchettes drainage improvements," said Commissioner Colten Wright, District 5. "This project will provide significant relief to residents by reducing flooding concerns, particularly during heavy rainfall events like those experienced in April 2014. I'm proud of our team's ability to leverage grant funding, local Option Sales Tax, and general revenues to make such a significant investment in our infrastructure."

The project included the construction of swales, installation of new driveway pipes, and the addition of inlet structures and stormwater pipes to direct runoff into a designated pond. These improvements are designed to mitigate future structural flooding for approximately 300 homes across the Ranchettes, Northridge, and Whisper Bay subdivisions, considering a 100-year storm event.

In addition to protecting homes, the project enhances public safety by reducing the risk of road damage and closures that can hinder emergency and personal vehicle access during and after storms. The Ranchettes subdivision was originally built before stormwater control regulations were in place in Santa Rosa County.

The area has experienced repeated flooding, including damage to 44 private residences during the April 2014 flood, and structural flooding during Hurricane Sally, as well as heavy rain events in September 2004, April 2005, and June 2012.

Eighty-eight percent of the project was funded through grant funding and 12% funded through sales tax and general funding. This project was funded in part by sales tax dollars.

A full project overview video, featuring project experts, is available online at https://youtu.be/8og1nVyn0ZM .

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