Depot proposal moves ahead

SANDPOINT — A plan to acquire and preserve the historic Sandpoint Depot is gaining momentum again.

The City Council will be asked later this month to allow the Sandpoint Historical Preservation Committee to take a leading role in negotiating with BNSF Railway and securing a commitment from Amtrak to retain the depot as a stop. The depot, which is listed on National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1916. It’s owned by BNSF and utilized by Amtrak.

“There’s no downside to beginning negotiations,” Councilwoman Helen Newton said during Tuesday’s Administrative Committee meeting.

The committee recommended the full council take up the historic commission’s proposal to take point in the matter.

“It’s a fabulous opportunity for the city to pursue — economically and historically,” said historic committee member Bob Camp.

Former Mayor Ray Miller championed a cause to acquire the depot during his administration and the building has a loyal group of supporters who want to see it thrive.

“There’s a lot of potential there,” said Aric Spence, another historic committee member.

Spence said the proposal is patterned after the recently restored depot in Whitefish, Mont. The building serves as an Amtrak stop and as the Stumptown Historical Society museum.

Still unclear are Amtrak’s wishes concerning the depot. Company officials have said they intend to decide by the end of the year whether to continue using the depot or install a new facility in Sagle or on Sandpoint’s north side. BNSF Railway, meanwhile, intends to one day install a second set of tracks, but some depot supporters to not perceive that as a deal-killer.

Upkeep of the depot, should BNSF agree to relinquish the property for a token sum, is yet another matter. Some city officials have bristled at the idea of taking on the financial burden for maintaining the historic structure.

Councilman Stephen Snedden recommended that the historic committee take the lead in negotiating with BNSF and Amtrak. Councilman John O’Hara moved to have the full council take up the matter and the motion passed unanimously.