Gov. Deval Patrick says the new federal stimulus law will funnel between $6 billion and $9 billion to Massachusetts during the next two years.
The announcement was greeted with applause Wednesday as Patrick addressed a breakfast meeting of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
Patrick says the package includes $1 billion for infrastructure work — $400 million for highways and $300 million for mass transit. That will double what Massachusetts plans to spend on transportation projects.
Most of the other money will flow directly to the state, cities and towns and individuals as direct subsidies for social services or tax credits.
The governor said the funding "will not be a panacea" for a state facing a $1.1 billion budget shortfall now and a $3.5 billion deficit in the next budget. (AP)