New Mexico transportation officials say they don't have the funding to meet a deadline to install a federally mandated safety upgrade to the state's Rail Runner line.
The state Department of Transportation says there is no plan to cover the $50 million cost for safety technology designed to prevent collisions and derailments.
The Federal Railroad Administration is threatening to fine railroad owners who don't implement the technology before the Dec. 31, 2015 deadline.
The "positive train control" technology automatically slows trains that reach dangerous speeds through human error.
It uses GPS and other devices to tell when trains are going too fast or making unauthorized movements.
Congress first issued the deadline in 2008.
State transportation officials say they need an extension.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
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