SANTA FE (AP) More than two dozen road construction projects have been postponed because New Mexico faces a financing shortfall of nearly a half-billion dollars.

Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught told lawmakers on Dec. 7 that 29 projects can’t be built unless the state finds additional revenues or a new source of financing for the road improvements.

Faught said the shortfall is because of rapidly rising construction costs in the past few years and New Mexico isn’t receiving as much federal highway money as the state had anticipated. Some lawmakers contend the shortfall is partly because of spending on a commuter rail service.

The delayed projects were part of statewide transportation package approved in 2003 by the Legislature and Gov. Bill Richardson.

Today's top stories

North Causeway Bridge Offers Innovation, Congestion Relief for Fort Pierce, Fla., Motorists

Missouri's $284M Chester Bridge Under Construction

Mecalac Offers Telescopic Wheel Loader to Improve Stability, Mobility in Material Handling Applications

Chicago Bears Announce Plans for New Enclosed Stadium

Oshkosh Corporation to Acquire AUSA

Webuild Ready to Rebuild Collapsed Baltimore Bridge

Crews Complete Covington, Georgia Community Project

Alabama AGC Announces BUILDSouth Award Winners