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ATTLEBORO - Former Mayor Judy Robbins, who was instrumental in jump-starting plans for the industrial business park and downtown revitalization, is going to get a chance to help finish those projects.

Mayor Kevin Dumas, who came out of the blue in 2003 to beat her in a stunning election, has nominated the former six-term mayor to fill the governor's seat on the Attleboro Redevelopment Authority, which runs the massive multi-million dollar city initiatives.

Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to confirm the nomination within a week, Dumas said.

If the confirmation goes as expected, Robbins will replace Nancy Maguire Heath. Heath's term expired in November, but she has continued to serve.

Dumas, who's been locked in a protracted and bitter struggle with the ARA for more than a year and is trying to wrest control of the projects from the board, said Robbins was his first choice for the seat. "Mayor Robbins has the extensive experience and knowledge base needed for this job," Dumas said Thursday. "Her experience is needed in these turbulent times."

Dumas said Robbins will be especially valuable in dealing with upper levels of government.

"She has extensive experience with the policies, procedures and protocols of dealing with state and federal agencies," Dumas said.

Robbins doesn't see her appointment as a chance to finish something she started, but as a chance to help solve problems that have stalled crucial city initiatives.

"I'm looking at it less as a chance to help finish something than as a chance to help solve a problem that exists right now," Robbins said. "And I'm really pleased that the mayor thought I could help."

Robbins is well aware this is a new and reduced role, but it's one she said she relishes because it allows her to work on thorny issues that have mired important efforts in the city she loves.

"Things that are a challenge attract me and things that help the city of Attleboro attract me, so this one is a double," she said.

Robbins declined to comment on issues confronting the board, saying it was "way too soon."

The appointment reunites her with Benton Keene III, ARA chairman, who served with Robbins on the city council two decades ago.

He later filled in as mayor when Robbins was hit with a stroke in 1996, then ran against her. Robbins beat Keene in the 1997 mayoral election, which created some hard feelings, but he said he holds no grudges.

"I have no problem working with Judy," Keene said. "I think she'll be an asset and she'll do a good job. She's always done a good job for the city."

Meanwhile Keene had praise for Heath.

"Nancy did a good job," he said. "She delved right in and learned as much as she could."

Heath did not return a call Thursday.

Keene is also a Dumas appointee. If Dumas is re-elected in November, he will get a chance to name another member because Max Volterra has announced plans to step down at the end of his term in February.

Dumas, who blames ARA Executive Director Michael Milanoski for various ARA problems, has pushed the board to fire him. But the board strongly supports Milanoski and credits him for many successes.

Both ARA projects got started under the Robbins administration. Ten years ago, The Sun Chronicle carried a small story stating Robbins asked U.S. Rep. James McGovern to seek $2.5 million in federal funding for a dormant commuter rail parking garage and downtown plan.

The effort was successful and has since exploded into a massive revitalization project.

In 1999, Robbins appointed a Citizens Advisory Committee that was key to allaying fears of neighbors and pushing the business park dream toward reality.

She also started the ongoing streetscape project.