AUSTIN — Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. encourages City of Ingleside residents to help keep the Texas coast clean by participating in the City of Ingleside Vessel Turn-In Program on Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, October 4, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is partnering with the City of Ingleside, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Any Wrecker Towing, and White Star Services, LLC to offer Ingleside residents a free event to remove inoperable and derelict vessels.

During the multi-day turn-in event, Ingleside residents may bring their derelict or inoperable boats to the designated drop-off location to be verified by the GLO and TPWD for eligibility. To be eligible:

• Vessels must be clear of all waste, debris, and trash before drop-off.
• Ingleside residents must bring a City of Ingleside water bill as proof of residency.
• Towing service is available; advance reservations are required. Call 361-776-7687 for reservations or if you have additional questions.
• The VTIP agency must be provided with 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.
• Vessels exceeding the maximum length of 26 feet may be eligible for disposal on a case-by-case basis. Please call 361-776-7687 to see if your vessel can be accommodated.

Vessel Turn-In Program Dates and Hours:
Thursday, October 3, 2024, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, October 4, 2024, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, October 5, 2024, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Drop-off Location:
Ingleside Recycling Center
1580 4th Street
Ingleside, TX 78362

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 40 events in various coastal communities. In total, 1,578 derelict and inoperable boats measuring 25,680 linear feet have been removed from coastal areas through these essential programs.