To address the continuing threat of terrorism and to work with the federal Department of Homeland Security (created in 2002 following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001), homeland security in West Virginia in 2003 operated under the authority of the governor; the public safety secretary was designated as the state homeland security advisor.
The Department of Education determines policy for public elementary and secondary schools, and the Board of Regents governs the state's colleges and universities. The Department of Transportation is responsible for construction and operation of state roads. Services of the Department of Health center around treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse, mental health, environmental health services, maternal and child care, family planning, and control of communicable diseases. The Department of Human Services administers a variety of economic, medical, and social services.
In the area of public protection, the Department of Public Safety enforces criminal and traffic laws, the Office of Emergency Services oversees civil defense and other emergency activities, and the Department of Corrections oversees prisons and other such facilities. The Public Service Commission regulates utilities. The Housing Development Fund concentrates on housing for lowand middle-income families and the elderly. The Division of Environmental Protection has the major responsibility for protection of forests, wildlife, water, and other resources, for reclamation projects, and for operation of state parks and recreational facilities.
Responsibility in labor matters is shared by the Department of Labor, Department of Employment Security, Department of Mines, Workers' Compensation Fund, and Labor-Management Relations Board.