AUSTIN — Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. encourages Orange County residents to participate in the Orange County Vessel Turn-In Program on April 6, 9, 11, and 13, 2024, from 10 am to 6 pm.

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is partnering with Orange County and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to offer county residents a free event to remove inoperable and derelict vessels.

During the multi-day turn-in event, residents may bring their derelict or inoperable boats to the designated drop-off locations to be verified by the GLO and TPWD for eligibility. The GLO will sponsor the removal of all fuel, oil, and batteries, while Orange County will transport vessels for disposal. To be eligible:

• Vessels must be clear of all waste, debris, and trash before drop-off
• Verification of ownership of vessels, along with a Release of Interest and Ownership, must be provided to the VTIP agency
• The title of each vessel must be free of any loan balances, liens, and/or taxes
• Owners must transport their own vessels to the turn-in site
• Vessels exceeding the maximum length of 26 feet may be eligible for disposal on a case-by-case basis.

For questions or additional information about relinquishing vessels longer than 26 feet, contact the GLO at (409) 727-7481.

Vessel Turn-In Program Dates and Hours:
April 6, 9,11, 13, 2024
10 am to 6 pm

Drop-off Location:
Orange County Collection Station
11265 FM 1442
Orange County, Texas 77630

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 $500 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 39 events in various coastal communities. In total, 1,562 derelict and inoperable boats measuring 25,394 linear feet have been removed from coastal areas through these essential programs.