AUSTIN— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced the results of the Brazoria County Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP). During the free four-day vessel turn-in event March 17-20, 2025, Brazoria County residents relinquished 68 boats totaling over 1,183 linear feet and 30 gallons of fuel recovered.
"Growing up near the Gulf Coast, protecting and preserving our beautiful Texas beaches has always been very near and dear to my heart. Safely clearing unwanted vessels not only keeps the Texas coast cleaner, it is also critical to securing a better future for our coastal and marine habitats," said Commissioner Buckingham. "I am thankful to the residents of Brazoria County for partnering with us during this Vessel Turn-In Program and contributing to a better Texas for the many communities that depend upon the health and vitality of our coastal waters."
Relinquished boats at the Brazoria County Vessel-Turn-In Program.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) partnered with Brazoria County, the Brazoria County Firefighters Association, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to provide the residents of Brazoria County with this free event to dispose of inoperable vessels.
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 vessels for disposal.
Relinquished boats at the Brazoria County Vessel-Turn-In Program.
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 43 events in various coastal communities. This essential program has removed 1,719 inoperable boats measuring 28,131 linear feet from coastal areas and recovered 3,511 gallons of fuel and oil.
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