AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced the results of the Brazoria County Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP). During the free four-day vessel turn-in event April 6-9, 2026, Brazoria County residents relinquished 74 boats totaling over 1,280 linear feet. There were also 22 trailers relinquished and disposed of properly.
"Growing up near the Gulf Coast, protecting and preserving our beautiful Texas beaches has always been very near and dear to my heart. Safely clearing unwanted vessels not only keeps the Texas coast cleaner, but it is also critical to securing a better future for our coastal and marine habitats," said Commissioner Buckingham. "I am thankful to the residents of Brazoria County for partnering with us during this Vessel Turn-In Program and contributing to a better Texas for the many communities that depend upon the health and vitality of our coastal waters."
Boats collected during the 2026 Brazoria County Vessel Turn-In Program
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) partnered with Brazoria County, the Brazoria County Firefighters Association, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to provide the residents of Brazoria County with this free event to dispose of inoperable vessels.
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.
A boat being loaded onto a trailer during the 2026 Brazoria County Vessel Turn-In Program
Removing abandoned vessels from coastal waters comes at a considerable expense— around $1,000 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 49 events in various coastal communities— in total,1,928 derelict and inoperable boats measuring 31,408 linear feet have been removed from coastal areas.
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Dr. Dawn Buckingham made history in 2022, winning a statewide election to become Texas's 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.
