AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., encourages Jefferson County residents to bring their inoperable boats to be properly disposed of by the Texas General Land Office (GLO) in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) will be held on November 5-7, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Jefferson County Vessel Turn-In Program
During the multi-day turn-in event, Jefferson County residents may bring their inoperable boats and boat trailers to the designated drop-off location, which the GLO and TPWD will verify for eligibility. To be eligible:
- Vessels must be clear of all waste, debris, and trash before drop-off.
- Jefferson County residents must provide 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.
- Boats exceeding the maximum length of 26 feet may be eligible for disposal on a case-by-case basis.
Vessel Turn-In Program Dates and Hours:
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Friday, November 7, 2025
Each day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Drop-off Location:
5700 Jade Avenue
Port Arthur, TX 77640
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 $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 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 3,678 gallons of fuel and oil.
RELATED: Land Commissioner Buckingham, Oil Spill Program Continue Vessel Removal in Texas Waters
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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.