ROSEBURG, Ore. -- The parent company of an Oregon railroad operation that shut down a line through the Coast Range has put up $24 million to help pop singer Michael Jackson keep his Neverland Ranch.

The amount is just a little more than the estimated cost of repairs to the Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad's line between Coquille and Eugene.

The line is owned by RailAmerica, whose parent company, Fortress Investment Group, signed a "confidential" agreement that allows Jackson to retain ownership of his property.

RailAmerica has asked for state help with the Oregon line, but Gov. Ted Kulongoski has said that any public-private repair effort can come only after the route is reopened.