PORTLAND -- Greater Portland will need more than $200 million for repair or maintenance of around 200 miles of roads over the next decade -- far more than what the area currently spends.

So says the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System, or PACTS, the organization that coordinates transportation planning in Portland and 14 surrounding communities.

The findings were the result of a six-month study of so-called "collector roads" -- stretches that lead motorists from neighborhoods to major arterials or highways -- in the PACTS region.

The study found that 117 miles of collector roads in greater Portland have design flaws or significant wear and tear and need nearly $190 million in repairs over the next 10 years.

The remaining 83 miles are in relatively good shape, but need approximately $40 million in routine upkeep over the next decade, said PACTS Director John Duncan.

Duncan said the organization currently receives about $5 million in federal, state and local funding every two years for collector road upkeep, or a total of around $25 million if that amount holds steady over the next decade -- short of what it needs just to keep the healthy roads maintained.

PACTS officials presented the report to state legislators from greater Portland this morning, during a forum at the city's Ocean Gateway terminal in advance of the expected multi-billion dollar economic stimulus package from Congress next year.

The organization is warning that the coming stimulus package, which could include significant aid for infrastructure projects, is a much-needed bandage rather than a long-term fix to the area's transportation needs.

Copyright 2008 Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.