ORANGE COUNTY — Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. announced the results of the Orange County Vessel Turn-In program (VTIP) that took place on April 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, and 29. An astounding 113 derelict vessels, totaling 1,173 linear feet, were turned in by residents, shattering previous VTIP records for the number of boats turned in.

Additionally, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) worked alongside the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Orange County to remove 143 gallons of oil and waste as well as five trailers.

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.
 

Removing abandoned vessels from coastal waters comes at a considerable expense—around $500-$600 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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