The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has authorized the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) to move its Main Street streetcar extension into the project development phase.

The agency now will develop refined capital and operating costs, estimate ridership, assess environmental impacts and create a detailed funding plan, KCATA officials said in a press release. The work will include an HDR Inc.-led study now underway.

The FTA’s authorization is a key step toward securing federal funding for the extension, agency officials said.

“KC Streetcar’s downtown starter line has proven its worth and this Main Street extension will further strengthen our investment while connecting our most dense neighborhoods and business centers in a new and exciting way,” said Tom Gerend, executive director of the Kansas City Streetcar Authority.

The project’s primary area extends from downtown Kansas City and Union Station toward the University of Missouri-Kansas City.