The C-Tran Board of Directors on Tuesday authorized spending $6.7 million in local funds for a bus rapid transit system in Vancouver, clearing the way for the project to secure a crucial federal grant and begin construction as early as next year.

The commitment burns more than two-thirds of C-Tran’s uncommitted capital reserves, now estimated at slightly more than $9 million. But having local funds in place completes the finance plan for the $53 million BRT project.

The board approved the plan by a 6-3 vote, with Clark County commissioners David Madore and Tom Mielke and Washougal City Councilor Connie Jo Freeman in the minority. The decision came after more than two hours of deliberation — following two hours of public comment.

All three Vancouver City Council members on the board voted with the majority in favor of the project. Councilor Jack Burkman said his city stands ready to make BRT a reality “as soon as possible.” The system could open in 2016.

The BRT system would deploy 60-foot articulated buses, raised boarding platforms and other features to move passengers more efficiently on C-Tran’s busiest corridor. The line would run between the Westfield Vancouver mall and downtown, replacing the existing No. 4 and No. 44 buses along that stretch.