PITTSBURGH -- A foundation shift could delay construction of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, WTAE-TV's Emily Ryan reported.

Last week, WTAE reported that the project is over budget by $4 million, which is being covered by a private benefactor. The project is approximately six weeks behind schedule.

On Wednesday, a newspaper reported that it had obtained two memos written by the project's superintendent and the project's engineer.

The memos said that portions of the foundation have shifted as much as two inches and the shift will impact the project.

The memos also said that the foundation issue could stop workers from installing precast columns on the Pittsburgh convention center's second, third and fourth floor.

The area in question is along 10th Street, where construction on a new walkway allegedly caused the shift, Ryan reported. It is part of Phase II of the project, which is supposed to be completed in October 2002.

Sports and Exhibition Authority project executive Tom Kennedy said it is too soon to determine whether there is structural damage.

If there is, it would cost about $250,000 to re-enforce the foundation with steel support rods. That money would come from contractors and insurance, Ryan reported.

Phase I of the project will open up on time in February, the SEA said. If a fix is needed, Phase II should be delayed one week to 10 days. The SEA said that amount of time can be made up without delaying the completion date.