Treasury Extends RESTORE Act Grant Information Collection

The Department of the Treasury has issued a notice (FR Doc 2026-21502) extending, without change, the existing information-collection requirements for the Direct Component and Centers of Excellence Research Grants authorized under the RESTORE Act. The notice invites public and agency comments through Dec. 21, 2026.

The Direct Component program distributes grants to the states of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, as well as 23 Florida counties and 20 Louisiana parishes. The Centers of Excellence Research program awards grants to the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Funding derives from administrative and civil penalties paid after July 6, 2012 under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and deposited in the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund.

The collection identifies eligible entities, describes proposed activities, determines appropriate funding levels, ensures compliance with the RESTORE Act, Treasury's implementing regulations at 31 CFR part 34, other applicable federal laws, and Treasury guidance, and tracks recipient progress and program effectiveness.

The Treasury estimates 52 respondents will submit a total of 563 annual responses, each taking approximately 11.2 hours, for an estimated total annual burden of 6,310 hours. The collection is classified as "on occasion" and does not require a specific form.

Comments on the necessity, burden estimate, quality, clarity, and potential burden reductions may be sent to the Treasury PRA Clearance Officer at 1500 Suite #8100, JBAB, 250 Murray Lane SW, Bldg. 410/Door 123, Washington, DC 20222, by email or phone (202-927-5331). All comments become part of the public record and will be summarized in the OMB approval request.