New Mexico Buys 300 Miles of Track From BNSF for $76 Mln.

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ew Mexico has signed an agreement to buy nearly 300 miles of railroad track from western freight railroad BNSF Railway Co. for $76 million, the Associated Press reported.

Gov. Bill Richardson (D) has been pushing for a commuter train service since unveiling plans in 2003, AP reported. The first leg is expected to begin service in January and service to Santa Fe is expected to begin by late 2008.

The purchase includes 13 acres of rail yard property near downtown Albuquerque, N.M.

New Mexico Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught said the purchase of the extra 200 miles was necessary to finalize the deal with BNSF, AP reported.

State ownership gives the commuter service priority on the track, which is not considered a main line for BNSF.