AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., encourages San Patricio County residents to help keep the Texas Coast clean by participating in the San Patricio County Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) May 14th and 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and May 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is partnering with San Patricio County and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), to offer San Patricio County residents a free event to remove inoperable vessels.
Texas General Land Office (GLO) employees survey a vessel turned in during the Ingleside VTIP event in 2024
During the multi-day turn-in event, San Patricio County residents may bring their inoperable boats 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.
- San Patricio 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.
Please call the GLO's Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division’s Corpus Christi Office at (361) 886-1650 or the Derelict Vessel Field Coordinator at (409) 332-9325 for more information.
Vessel Turn-In Program Dates and Hours:
Thursday, May 14th and Friday, May 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Drop-off Location: County Precinct #4 Commissioner Howard Gillespie 3141 FM 3512 Aransas Pass, TX 78336
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 their boats from becoming environmental or safety hazards.
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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.