ATTLEBORO - Reconstruction of Route 152 (North Main Street) from North Attleboro to Holden Street could get started earlier because of changes in a state transportation improvement plan.

The proposed $2.8 million project had been scheduled for next year under a state-federal program in which 80 percent of the cost would have been paid by the federal government.

But, under an amendment to the transportation plan, the cost would be shifted 100 percent to federal stimulus funds, said Roland Hebert with the Southeastern Massachusetts Planning and Economic Development District.

In addition, $737,000 in federal stimulus dollars would go to the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority for preventive maintenance and the purchase of new buses.

The proposed federal funding distribution was approved by the Southeastern Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization, pending a 15-day public comment period. Hebert said the shifting of the Route 152 funding would allow the state to employ more stimulus dollars and expedite the project, which would be advertised for bids by February.

Normally, the project might not have been advertised until spring, Hebert said. But because of earlier deadlines associated with the federal stimulus funding, the project will have to be bid earlier.

Besides reconstruction of the roadway, the project involves some minor widening in the Holden Street area that will require some land-takings, Hebert said.

Federal funds headed for GATRA include $180,000 for the purchase of a new mini bus or vans, $102,000 for preventive maintenance and $450,000 for the purchase of new transit buses.

Comments on the proposed funding plans should be e-mailed no later than Dec. 4 to lcabral@srpedd.org or made by phone to Lilia Cabral at 508-824-1367.

A public meeting on the funding is scheduled 6 p.m. Dec. 2 at the SRPEDD office, 88 Broadway, Taunton.

RICK FOSTER can be reached at 508-236-0360 or at rfoster@thesunchronicle.com.