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During a months-long, joint boat take-back program, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office River Patrol Unit, in partnership with Oregon Metro and the Oregon State Marine Board, assisted in disposing of 107 derelict vessels in Metro’s district.
The boat take-back program allowed boat owners to dispose of unseaworthy, damaged or poor condition vessels. Often, when end-of-life boats are given away or sold for a low price, they end up abandoned or dumped in rivers or public lands. Dumped boats can create significant navigational and environmental hazards.
Between January 30, 2023, and October 31, 2023:
- Metro received 168 applications for removal.
- Primary reason for turning in boats included the boat owner had passed away, and the boat wasn’t in working condition.
The program was offered to boat owners at no-cost. Oregon House Bill 5202, which addresses waste impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, funded the more than $250,000 needed to dispose of the vessels.
“This collaborative approach allowed us to address a known problem with an effective solution,” said Sgt. Steve Dangler. “To proactively dispose of dozens of vessels, before they end up on the side of the road or abandoned in the river, creates safer waterways and a more livable community.”