ARANSAS COUNTY — The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is partnering with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), Aransas County, Keep Aransas Beautiful and the City of Rockport to provide the community with a free event to dispose of derelict vessels. The Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) is scheduled for September 9-10 at the Aransas County Airport .

The voluntary, two-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; TPWD verifies ownership and clears the vessels for disposal; and Aransas County transports vessels (and trailers if needed) to the landfill for disposal.

Vessel Turn-In Program Dates and Hours:
September 9-10, 2022
9 AM — 4 PM

Aransas County Residents’ Drop-off Location:
Aransas County Airport, Rear Entrance, Near Howard Murph Park off Loop 1781

Boat owners can pre-register online at:
seam.ly/OTaZL7IH 
 
For more information:
Aransas County Environmental Health Department: 361-790-0121
 
The VTIP was established under Commissioner George P. Bush in 2015 and has since hosted 28 events in various coastal communities. The upcoming event marks the second VTIP coordinated by Aransas County. Since 2017, the county and its residents have helped remove 1,135 vessels from coastal waters and safely dispose of over 2,100 gallons of fuel.