Texas Land Commissioner Buckingham Encourages Harris County Residents to Participate in Free Vessel Turn-In Event
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Texas General Land OfficeAUSTIN, Texas— Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is pleased to announce a continued partnership between the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia's Office. Commissioner Buckingham is encouraging all Harris County residents to participate in a free Vessel Turn-in Program (VTIP) beginning Thursday, November 12 through Saturday, November 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) is partnering with Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Garcia's Office, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to offer Harris County residents a free event to remove inoperable vessels under 26 feet long.
During the multi-day turn-in event, Harris 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:
- Harris County residents must provide verification of vessel ownership and a Release of Interest and Ownership.
- Vessels must be clear of all waste, debris, and trash before drop-off.
- The title of each vessel must be free of any loan balances, liens, and/or taxes.
- Boats must not exceed the maximum length of 26 feet.
Vessel Turn-In Program Dates and Hours:
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Friday, November 13, 2026
Saturday November 14, 2026
Each day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Drop-off Location:
Bay Area Community Center
5002 East NASA Parkway
Seabrook, TX 77586
Harris County residents who wish to dispose of their vessel, please pre-register for this event by clicking the button below:
HARRIS COUNTY VTIP REGISTRATION
About the GLO's Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP)
As part of GLO’s multiple strategies to rid coastal areas of derelict and unwanted watercraft, the GLO hosts Vessel Turn-In Programs throughout spring and fall. Starting in 2015, VTIPs provide owners with a free and voluntary method to dispose of their vessels and boats. GLO sponsors the removal of all fuel, oil, and batteries and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) verifies ownership and clears the vessels for disposal.
Removing abandoned vessels from coastal waters comes at a considerable expense— around $1,000 per foot. 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.
To date, VTIP has hosted 52 events in various coastal communities. This essential program has removed 1,996 inoperable boats measuring 32,634 linear feet from coastal areas and recovered 4,300 gallons of pollution.
About the GLO's Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division
As millions of barrels of oil pass through ports, bays, and beaches along the Texas Gulf, the Texas General Land Office Oil Spill Prevention and Response team stands on call 24/7, ensuring oil stays out of Texas coastal waters.
The Oil Spill Division operates under three key prevention and response initiatives:
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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.
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