Graffiti rock deadline set
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced a June 1 deadline for finding a new home for Bellingham's graffiti rock, currently in the path of a temporary bypass road for fish passage construction. Spokesperson RB McKeon emphasized the agency's commitment to preserving the rock's community significance, stating, “We’re hopeful we’ll find a place that reflects that. ” If substantial progress occurs, WSDOT may consider extending the deadline slightly. In the absence of a suitable location, the agency plans to break the rock apart to save pieces for the Whatcom Museum. Since its first tagging in 1969, the rock has been a canvas for community messages, celebrating milestones and memorializing loved ones.
This situation underscores the tension between necessary infrastructure projects and the preservation of local cultural landmarks. The community's response may influence future decisions regarding similar projects. WSDOT's actions aim to balance environmental concerns with public sentiment.