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The first phase of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority's (VTA) Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) 10-mile Berryessa extension has advanced to the final design stage of the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) New Starts program.

The final design stage is the last step the federal agency requires before a project qualifies for funding. VTA is seeking $900 million in New Starts money and received a recommendation for a grant in that amount in February.

Entering the final stage enables VTA to complete the project’s design and purchase materials such as rails, ties and other specialized equipment.

"Getting into final design positions the project for groundbreaking in early 2012," said VTA Chairwoman Margaret Abe-Koga in a prepared statement.

Securing federal dollars through a full funding grant agreement is anticipated for early next year, VTA officials said.

The extension will be built south of the future BART Warm Springs station in Fremont, Calif., through Milpitas and end in the Berryessa area of north San Jose. The line will include two stations.