AUSTIN— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is encouraging Brazoria County residents to help keep the Texas Coast clean by participating in the Brazoria County Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) on March 17-20, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is partnering with Brazoria County, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), and the Brazoria County Firefighters Association to offer Brazoria County residents a free event to remove inoperable and derelict vessels.
Brazoria County Vessel Turn-In Program
During the multi-day turn-in event, Brazoria County residents may bring their derelict or inoperable boats to the designated drop-off locations, which the GLO and TPWD will verify for eligibility. To be eligible:
- Vessels must be clear of all waste, debris, and trash before drop-off.
- Brazoria County residents must provide verification of vessel ownership and a Release of Interest and Ownership.
- The title of each vessel must be free of any loan balances, liens, and/or taxes.
- Boats exceeding the maximum length of 26 feet may be eligible for disposal on a case-by-case basis.
- Please call the GLO's Oil Spill Prevention and Response program's La Porte Office at (281) 470-6597 or Derelict Vessel Field Operations at (409) 332-9325 for more information.
Vessel Turn-In Program Dates and Hours
Monday, March 17, 2025 to Thursday, March 20, 2025
Each day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Drop-off Locations:
Brazoria County Precinct 2
Commissioner Ryan Cade
21017 CR 171
Angleton, TX 77515
(979) 864-1548
Brazoria County Precinct 3
Commissioner Stacy Adams
2467 FM 528
Alvin, TX 77511
(281) 331-3197
VTIP provides owners with a free and voluntary method to dispose of their vessels and boats. The GLO sponsors removing 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 their boats from becoming environmental or safety hazards.
Since its beginning in 2015, VTIP has hosted 42 events in various coastal communities. These essential programs have removed 1,651 derelict and inoperable boats measuring 26,947 linear feet from coastal areas.
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