Sidney Amphenol Plant Prepares for Sandy [PHOTOS]

The Amphenol Aerospace facility in Sidney, which has suffered tens of millions of dollars in damage since the floods of 2006, is preparing for Hurricane Sandy to impact the area.

After a series of floods beginning in 2006, then the flooding from Tropical Storms Lee and, last year, Irene, Amphenol looked to either leave the area entirely or purchase land on higher ground. Amphenol, which continues to operate out of its Sidney facility, is the largest employer in Delaware County.

Delaware County IDA seized land via eminent domain and offered it to Amphenol in an effort to save over 1,000 local jobs. The deal closed over the summer, but construction has not begun. This leaves the original facility susceptible to the serious flooding anticipated as Sandy moves into the area.

Amphenol has begun placing concrete berms, 3-feet-high around the factory to stave off serious damage (photo above).

The berms should alleviate the flood concerns, unless they are breached. Forecasters have not yet pinpointed the amount of rain Sandy will produce in our area. Current rain predictions are calling anywhere from 1-6 inches early next week.