AUSTIN— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is encouraging Brazoria County residents to help keep the Texas Coast clean by participating in the Brazoria County Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) on April 6-9, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is partnering with Brazoria County, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), and the Brazoria County Firefighters Association to offer Brazoria County residents a free event to remove inoperable and derelict vessels.
Brazoria County Vessel Turn-In Program
During the multi-day turn-in event, Brazoria County residents may bring their derelict or inoperable boats to the designated drop-off locations, 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.
- Brazoria 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 program's La Porte Office at (281) 470-6597 or Derelict Vessel Field Operations at (409) 332-9325 for more information.
Vessel Turn-In Program Dates and Hours
Monday, April 6, 2026 to Thursday, April 9, 2026
Each day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Drop-off Locations:
Brazoria County Precinct 1
Commissioner Jay Burridge
1432 Highland Park Drive
Clute, Texas 77531
(979) 265-3953
Brazoria County Precinct 4
Commissioner David Linder
121 North 10th Street
West Columbia, Texas 77486
(979) 345-1130
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.
Since its beginning in 2015, VTIP has hosted 42 events in various coastal communities. These essential programs have removed 1,651 derelict and inoperable boats measuring 26,947 linear feet from coastal areas.
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.