AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., encourages Matagorda County residents to help keep the Texas Coast clean by participating in the Matagorda County Vessel Turn-In Program (V-TIP) April 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is partnering with Matagorda County and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to offer Matagorda County residents a free event to remove inoperable and derelict vessels.
Orange County Vessel Turn-In Program, 2023
During the multi-day turn-in event, Matagorda County residents may bring their derelict or inoperable boats and boat trailers to the designated drop-off location, 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.
- Matagorda 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 Port Lavaca Office at 361-552-8081 or the Derelict Vessel Field Coordinator at (409) 332-9325 for more information.
Vessel Turn-In Program Dates and Hours:
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Friday, April 11, 2025
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Each day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Drop-off Location:
Matagorda County Fairgrounds
4511 FM 2668
Bay City, TX 77414
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 it began in 2015, VTIP has hosted 43 events in various coastal communities. These essential programs have removed 1,719 derelict and inoperable boats measuring 28,131 linear feet from coastal areas.
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