OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new law will employ the use of drones to help slow the spread of graffiti across the state.
Gov. Jay Inslee signed HB 1911 last Friday in an effort to test new techniques that would reduce vandalism on state highways.
“Our state Dept. of Transportation will test spray drone technologies that will more efficiently clean existing graffiti and hopefully deter future graffiti,” Gov. Inslee said. WSDOT will oversee the pilot program and test its ability to identify the individuals who damage property with graffiti.
The Puget Sound region of I-5 from Tacoma to Seattle and the north Spokane corridor will both be prioritized during the tests.
Gov. Inslee said the program is more progress in the effort to clean up the state’s highways, along with removing homeless encampments.
The pilot program is set to begin on June 6 and will conclude on July 1, 2025. WSDOT will submit a progress report on Dec. 1 to evaluate the results after the first six months.