SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome area residents and businesses to the monthly General Membership Luncheon today May 10, from 12-1 p.m. The lunch will be held at Di Luna’s Cafe’, 207 Cedar in Sandpoint, with registration beginning at 11:45 a.m. May’s luncheon is sponsored by Apex Construction.

The guest speaker will be Courtney Wallace, regional director of public affairs for BNSF Railway. She will be presenting on the railroad’s economic impact in Idaho as well as the proposed Sandpoint Junction Connector. BNSF, which employs 337 people in North Idaho with a combined payroll of more than $24 million annually, has proposed to build a second bridge over Lake Pend Oreille, which would be adjacent to the existing rail bridge. The project will also include new bridges over Sand Creek and Bridge Street in Sandpoint. The upgrade will reduce congestion and help move the current freight traffic and future volumes more efficiently; this will benefit all the products they carry and the passenger trains that run on the main line.

When completed, trains will run in both directions, reducing the need to idle while waiting to cross the existing single-track. As a result, railway official said local drivers could see shorter wait times on nearby roads that cross BNSF tracks, and the flow of freight and passenger trains will be improved throughout the region.

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce would like to encourage everyone in the community to attend the luncheon.

The cost is $15 for chamber members, $20 for non-chamber members and includes lunch catered by Di Luna’s Cafe. Please register online at sandpointchamber.com or call 208-263-2161 to reserve your space.