BOSTON -- Gov. Deval Patrick said the new federal stimulus law will funnel between $6 billion and $9 billion to Massachusetts during the next two years, but the money is far from a "magic wand."

Patrick said 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, towns and individuals as direct subsidies for social services or tax credits.

"There are a lot of people who commute in from MetroWest and the North Shore, and they're very, very concerned about the turnpike and tunnel increases. I understand that," Patrick told area business leaders at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce breakfast.

Patrick is mulling over several proposals, but he said raising the gas tax by just 1 cent could generate $26 million.

"Nobody runs for governor to raise tolls or a gas tax. I promise you. We don't have the choice to do nothing," Patrick said.

Patrick said he would not support both a gas tax and a toll increase.

The governor said the funding not fix all the financial woes for a state facing a $1.1 billion budget shortfall now and a $3.5 billion deficit in the next budget.

"Tough decisions loom," he said. "The stimulus funding is an important tool, but not a magic wand."