In a collaborative effort to address the issue of abandoned boats cluttering our waterways and public spaces, Metro, in partnership with the Oregon State Marine Board and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office River Patrol, has launched a temporary boat turn-in program. The program is one cleanup effort made possible by the $10 million investment from House Bill 5202. The program aims to provide accessible disposal options and maintain the cleanliness of our region.
The boat turn-in program: a solution to abandoned boats
Often, boat owners faced with the daunting prospect of disposing of their unseaworthy, damaged, or poor-condition vessels resort to abandoning or dumping them in our waterways and public spaces. This not only poses environmental hazards but also leads to a financial burden on local communities.
The boat turn-in program offers a lifeline to boat owners within the Metro Service Boundary. By allowing them to submit a pre-application form, boat owners can start the process of responsibly dismantling and disposing of their boats, all at no cost to them.
A collaborative effort for a cleaner Portland
Sgt. Steve Dangler of the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office River Patrol emphasizes the significance of this program in keeping our region clean and saving money in the process. Boat disposal costs can range from a few hundred dollars to over $3,000, depending on the size and hauling needs of the vessel. Through this program, boat owners can avoid these expenses while contributing to a cleaner Portland.
The program offers two options for boat owners: an "Express Turn-in" for those who can deliver their boats to designated locations in the greater Portland area, and a "Hardship Turn-in" for owners who cannot deliver their boats for disposal.
Benefits for the community and the environment
Speaking about the program's impact, Sgt. Steve Dangler highlights how the program benefits boat owners in need within the community. "The disposal expense is the root cause of vessel abandonment," he notes. By providing a cost-free and accessible solution, the program not only eases the financial burden but also handles the logistical challenges of removing boats from water or transporting them to disposal facilities.
In terms of the broader community and environment, the boat turn-in program helps prevent poor-condition vessels from ending up as abandoned eyesores in our waterways and public spaces. This proactive approach not only keeps our streets and waterways cleaner but is also significantly more cost-effective than dealing with abandoned or dumped boats retroactively.
A cleaner future for Portland
Looking ahead, the program aims to demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing waterway pollution and preventing the dumping of boats and trailers in public spaces. Sgt. Steve Dangler emphasizes that every vessel turned in through this program is a step towards a cleaner and more accessible future for Portland.
If you are a boat owner within the Metro Service Boundary in the greater Portland area and need assistance with disposing of your boat, consider applying to the boat turn-in program. Together, we can keep our waterways clean and our public spaces free from abandoned boats. The program is currently scheduled to run until October 31, 2023, or until funds are exhausted, so act now to make a difference in our community.