SOAP LAKE - The highly anticipated redevelopment project of downtown Soap Lake could be pushed back due to the city's sewer problems.

"Damn," Council member John Glasco said, echoing the feeling in the room when Mayor Raymond Gravelle addressed the setback at Wednesday's City Council meeting.

Gravelle said the sewer system is so severely damaged, there is no other option but to replace the sewer lines. The need for this project could potentially push back the $1.5 million downtown redevelopment project previously scheduled to begin in June.

City engineers determined the sewer problem needs to be handled first, which could cost about $500,000, funds the city is currently applying for in the form of a loan. The application process takes about 75 days if there are no setbacks, according to Gravelle.

"That particular timeline changes our redevelopment timeline to such an extent that we are looking now at the options that may include doing the sewer work this year and moving the redevelopment project back, moving that to early 2014," he said.

Gravelle added nothing is official at this time and the city is exploring various options, including beginning portions of the redevelopment project this year and finishing in 2014.

The redevelopment plan includes repaving downtown streets, constructing new sidewalks and pedestrian amenities and changing a portion of the downtown to a one-way street. The initial plans called for the project to be completed in November. Gravelle said early options include beginning the sewer project during winter 2013 in time to start the redevelopment project in spring 2014.