AUSTIN, Texas — Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced the results of the Chambers County Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP). During the free three-day vessel turn-in event May 8- 10th, 2025, Chambers County residents relinquished seven boats totaling over 130 linear feet and 13 gallons of oily waste recovered. One trailer, a battery, two fire extinguishers, and two tires were also recovered during the event.
“As a former Gulf Coast resident, the conservation of our beautiful Texas beaches has always been a priority of mine. Responsibly disposing of unwanted vessels improves the cleanliness of the Texas coast while also protecting the longevity of our coastal and marine habitats,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “Thank you to the Chambers County local government for wanting this program for their residents and to all who participated in the first-ever Vessel Turn-In Program in Chambers County."
A Texas General Land Office (GLO) employee surveys vessels turned in during the Chambers County VTIP event in May 2025
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) partnered with Chambers County, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Chambers County Emergency Services, and the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office to provide this county's residents with a free event to dispose of inoperable vessels.
VTIP provides owners with a free and voluntary method of disposing 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.
Since it began in 2015, VTIP has hosted 46 events in various coastal communities. These essential programs have removed 1,820 inoperable boats measuring 29,547 linear feet from coastal areas and recovered 3,679 gallons of fuel and oil.
# # #
Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas' first female Land Commissioner. As Land Commissioner, Dr. Dawn Buckingham is committed to helping Texans after a disaster, supporting Texas energy, ensuring that every child in Texas receives a high-quality public education, serving Texas Veterans, and securing the border to keep our communities safe.