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ATTLEBORO - Push has come to shove for the city and the downtown revitalization plan.

U.S. Rep. James McGovern warned city officials Thursday that future and even past funding hinges on quick passage of the urban renewal plan developed for the project area, a 26-acre swathe of downtown riverfront property.

McGovern, D-Worcester, a staunch supporter of efforts to revitalize the center since plans were first presented about seven years ago, has been able to earmark more than $10 million in federal and state money for the project.

But the congressman said he needs to know if the city intends to proceed before he requests more money in Congress next month.

If the city aims to go forward with the project planned by the Attleboro Redevelopment Authority, McGovern said he will seek more money. If the city decides to put off the project, he will seek money for other communities in his district. And even if the city decides to proceed, money earmarked for the project might already be in jeopardy.

The large pot of unused money, coupled with increasing pressure for funds and a massive budget deficit, threatens future and even past appropriations, McGovern said.

"I am now in the unenviable position of not only trying to secure additional federal funding for this project in what is a very difficult climate regarding earmarks, but also protecting prior years funding from rescission," he told city councilors at a special meeting.

"I cannot in good conscience and will not in good faith continue to pursue federal funding for the Attleboro Intermodal Transportation Center without the expressed support of the city council for the downtown urban renewal plan and the corresponding financial investment in it," McGovern said.

McGovern wants a commitment from the council and mayor that the city will come up with $2.4 million to implement the first phase of of the project. Federal and state appropriations of $10 million and land sales will cover the rest of the estimated $14.7 million cost for the first phase.

The stand-alone project would result in purchase of the land, moving the public works garage, construction of a new bus station, improved access to the MBTA parking lot and clearing of land for 100 units of housing.

A new MBTA parking garage would come in later phases if the city decides to go forward.

Council president Barry LaCasse said the mayor, who had to leave the meeting for another engagement, plans to send the plan to the council on Feb. 6.

LaCasse said the council can meet the deadline.

"He's given us a solid month, and I think that's sufficient time to debate this," said LaCasse who solidly supports the plan. "We have an opportunity to put our thumbprint on the city and something that will benefit downtown," he said.

Councilors Frank Cook and Bill Bowles praised a financial analysis of the plan by corporate executives from Friends of Attleboro Interested in Revitalization which bodes well for the plan.

And Brian Kirby pushed for adoption.

"We need to embrace the concept of the vision and it needs to move forward for the benefit of the city," he said.

GEORGE W. RHODES can be reached at 508-236-0432 or at grhodes@thesunchronicle.com.