DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – An endangered bat could delay work on an Interstate 80 interchange that business and civic leaders hope will bring more businesses and jobs to Waukee and West Des Moines.

A lone female Indiana bat was found just over a mile from the $31 million proposed Interstate 80 interchange south of Waukee. The bat is considered endangered by state and federal agencies.

Federal officials have asked for a study to determine whether the Indiana bat population would be harmed by the interchange construction.

The Des Moines Register reports that the discovery of the bat won’t kill plans for the interchange, but it comes as the cities were preparing to start working on a final design. Officials want to have the construction begin later this year.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)