The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is removing abandoned, derelict vessels in waterways and on tribal land with $1.4 million in additional funding for the Derelict Vessel Removal Program (DVRP). The program will use the funding to help the Squaxin Island Tribe remove eight identified derelict vessels from their land.

 

This is possible thanks to a marine debris removal grant of more than $1 million from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program with funding provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and an additional $400,000 from DNR.

 

Some of the grant money will go directly toward the cost of handling vessels at Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP) events. Intercepting boats before they become abandoned or derelict saves on cost of removal, mitigates later damage, and prevents pollution.  

 

DNR has hosted four vessel turn-in events since 2022, which accepted a total of 71 vessels. The turn-in events planned with the new funds will intercept an estimated 180 vessels across the state.

 

“Old, derelict vessels pollute our waterways and are a huge problem for our ecosystems, human health, and navigation,” said Commissioner of Lands Hilary Franz. "This additional funding will help us continue to grow this program and take in even more vessels to safeguard our waters.”

 

In the 2021-23 biennium, DVRP removed 319 boats, the highest number to date.

 

The grant supports the Squaxin Island Tribe by providing funding and DVRP expertise to remove eight vessels on their land.

 

"The Squaxin Island Tribe is very enthusiastic about this opportunity to work with DNR to clean-up derelict vessels on tribal lands,” said Daniel Kuntz, Policy and Program Manager for the tribe. “Maintaining clean beaches and water are essential to the Squaxin Island culture to ensure gathering access for future generations."

 

“We are proud to support this high impact project that will remove vessels and provide boat owners options for proper disposal,” said Andrew Mason, Pacific Northwest Regional Coordinator and Pacific Team Lead for the NOAA Marine Debris Program. “This partnership is reducing future vessel abandonment, benefiting the wildlife and communities that depend on a clean and safe Puget Sound.”

 

To learn more about the Derelict Vessel Removal Program, visit the DNR website. To view and download photos of DVRP and its work, visit this photo folder.

 

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Zoe Love

Communications Consultant

Cell: 360-790-1886