Sandpoint, Idaho's iconic train station, which has been closed since 2009 due to structural deficiencies linked to the rattling of 97 years' worth of trains coming and going from the station, may re-open by the end of 2013. The historic Gothic building dates back to 1913 and is owned by BNSF Railways, although Amtrak leases the platform for passenger use. The lease will be re-written to include the building itself, and the state has $920,000 set aside to renovate the building. Amtrak's due to accept proposals for the job starting in June, although some feel the glacial pace of the public/private behemoth means Sandpoint residents won't be able to hop back inside the station until much later than year's end.
· Depot could reopen by year's end [Bonner County Daily Bee]
· Sandpoint Train Station: Photo Gallery [Sandpoint Train Station]