AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., encourages Galveston County residents to reserve their spot for the Galveston County Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) to properly disposed of their unwanted vessels through the Texas General Land Office (GLO), Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), and Galveston County.
This VTIP event is by reservation only. Reservations must be made by Monday, January 5, 2026. To make a reservation, call: (409) 766-4509.
A vessel being properly disposed of during the Galveston County VTIP in January 2025
GLO and TPWD will verify the vessel's eligibility. To qualify, vessels must be:
- Less than 26 feet in length
- Preapproved and evaluated prior to the VTIP
- Transported to the designated VTIP site by the owner on the day of the VTIP
- Free of trash - boat trailers and trash will not be accepted
The vessel owner must provide:
- Verification of vessel ownership and a Release of Interest and Ownership
- The title of each vessel, free of any loan balances, liens, and/or taxes
VTIP provides owners with a free and voluntary method to dispose of their vessels and boats. The GLO sponsors removal of all fuel, oil, and batteries, and TPWD verifies ownership and clears the boat for disposal.
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 unwanted boats from becoming environmental or safety hazards.
Since it began in 2015, VTIP has hosted 47 events in various coastal communities. These essential programs have removed 1,826 inoperable boats measuring 29,654 linear feet from coastal areas and recovered 3,689 gallons of fuel and oil.
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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.