Modoc Northern Railroad Co., which operates a short line railroad covering northern California and southern Oregon, has been criticized by Union Pacific and by Lake County, Ore., commissioners for a violation of contract.

Lake County Commissioner Ken Kestner said problems involving the railroad include poor maintenance and financial mismanagement. Kestner said Modoc Northern wrote the county a $45,000 check last fail that did not clear.

UP did not comment on specifics; the Class I interfaces with Modoc Northern at Klamath Falls, Ore.

Tulelake, Calif.-based Modoc Northern Railroad operates 160 miles of track covering four counties.