Asset manager BlackRock Inc plans to raise between $2 billion and $2.5 billion for a U.S. federal program that disposes of toxic assets, a spokeswoman said.

That would be up to five times the minimum investment required under the Treasury Department's Legacy Securities Public-Private Investment Program.

BlackRock spokeswoman Bobbi Collins said the firm will raise the money through financing and private capital, and expects the government to match a similar amount.

(Reporting by Ross Kerber; editing by Andre Grenon)