The state of Iowa is about to receive about $5 million from the USDA for its new “Fueling Our Future 100” initiative.

Governor Terry Branstad, along with state Ag Secretary Bill Northey put out a statement today about the receiving the grant, noting that it will help expand choices at the pump for Iowans, as well as add value to agricultural products and provide a cleaner environment.

“Our state is a proud leader in the production and use of homegrown ethanol and biodiesel,” Branstad said in the release.  “I hope that other states will follow Iowa’s leadership in an industry that supports agriculture, creates rewarding careers and increases family incomes in rural America, provides lower cost alternatives for consumers and reduces our dependence on foreign oil.”

Iowa’s “Fueling Our Future 100” program put out a goal of adding 100 new fueling sites in 18 months in order to provide consumers with access to higher blends of ethanol. The grant from the USDA requires Iowa to obtain a private match, which will lead to a $10 million investment in the state’s higher ethanol blend projects.

The governor’s office also stated that obtaining the competitive grant money “is an example of a great partnership across state government and with various stakeholders” and the state of Iowa.

It’s not clear when the state will be receiving the grant money.