ORANGE COUNTY — Today, Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. announced that the Texas General Land Office (GLO) is partnering with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Orange County to provide the residents of Orange County with a free event to dispose of inoperable vessels. The Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) will take place April 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, and 29 from 10 am to 6 pm.
 

During the multi-day turn-in event, residents may 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 by the GLO. Residents can call (409) 727-7481 for assistance. 

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:
April 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, and 29
10 am to 6 pm

Drop-off Location:
Orange County Collection Station
11265 FM 1442
Orange, TX 77630
(409) 727-7481
 
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. Since it began in 2015, VTIP has hosted 31 events in various coastal communities— in total, 1,206 derelict and inoperable boats measuring 20,103 linear feet have been removed from coastal areas through these essential programs.

 

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