PORT ISABEL — The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is partnering with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), The City of Port Isabel, The City of South Padre Island, and the Port Isabel Navigation District to provide the Port Isabel and South Padre Island communities with a free event to dispose of derelict vessels. The Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) is scheduled for October 17-22 in Port Isabel.

The voluntary, six-day turn-in event allows residents to bring their derelict or inoperable boats to the designated drop-off location to be verified by the GLO and TPWD for eligibility. Boats must be clear of all waste, debris and trash. Verification of ownership along with a Release of Interest and Ownership must be provided to the VTIP agency, and the title must be free of any loan balances, liens, and/or taxes. Vessels exceeding the maximum length of 26-feet may be eligible for disposal with prior approval.

The 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.

Vessel Turn-In Program Dates and Hours:
October 17-22, 2022
9 AM — 6 PM

Port Isabel and South Padre Island Residents’ Drop-off Location:
50482 Industrial Drive Port Isabel, TX 78578 (North of 252 Industrial Drive)

For more information:
City of Port Isabel: 956-346-4330

Removing abandoned vessels from coastal waters comes at a considerable expense—around $200-300 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. The VTIP was established under Commissioner George P. Bush in 2015 and has since hosted 29 events in various coastal communities— in total, 1,154 derelict and inoperable boats measuring 19,265 linear feet have been removed from coastal areas through these essential programs.