AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced the results of the Jefferson County Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) from November 5-7, 2025. The Texas General Land Office (GLO), in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Jefferson County, collected six vessels, totaling 107 linear feet, 10.5 gallons of oil, two batteries, and two fire extinguishers.
Jefferson County VTIP 2025
VTIP provides owners with a free and voluntary method to dispose of their vessels and boats. The GLO sponsors the removal of all fuel, oil, and batteries, and TPWD verifies ownership and clears the ship for disposal.
Removing abandoned vessels from coastal waters comes at a considerable expense—around $1,000 per foot. The GLO and its partners encourage communities to participate in VTIPs to avoid these steep costs and to keep unwanted boats from becoming environmental or safety hazards.
Jefferson County VTIP 2025
Since it began in 2015, VTIP has hosted 47 events in various coastal communities. This essential program has removed 1,826 inoperable boats, measuring a total of 29,655 linear feet, from coastal areas and recovered 3,689 gallons of fuel and oil.
RELATED: Land Commissioner Buckingham, Oil Spill Program Continue Vessel Removal in Texas Waters
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Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas' first female Land Commissioner. As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.