Popular service now funded by DOH

Starting this summer, the popular Courtesy Patrol on West Virginia’s interstates will be back where it originally was formed in the Department of Highways. The legislature approved measures during this past regular session which funds the service from the highways’ budget after it was carried for several years by the Division of Tourism.

“It seems like we’ve always had the oversight, it’s just been funded through Tourism,” said Department of Transportation Spokesman Brent Walker. “So we’re just shifting the cost over to highways.”

The program was returned under the Cecil Underwood Administration and has remained one of the more favorable state services. However, it’s always a target when times get tough and budgets get tight. The tight budget is why is wound up under tourism in the first place. The program’s future was rocky for several years. However, it was recognized by the Tourism Commission as a valuable and unique ambassador for the state to those passing through West Virginia and finding themselves down on their luck.

“It’s not for us to decide the fate of the Courtesy Patrol, but every year it certainly is discussed,” said Walker. “Every year it seems to keep rolling.”

Certainly the patrol carries characteristics of both departments. Whether it’s more of an outreach of state hospitality or a duty of keeping the roads safe and secure is a gray area for lawmakers to decide according to Walker. He said which stream of funding pays for the service makes zero difference to somebody who is sitting on a remote stretch of interstate after dark with a broken car and a dead area for cell phone service.

“Just ask any stranded motorist that’s been helped by the Courtesy Patrol and they’ll tell you how important they are,” Walker said. “Especially in those areas that don’t get quite the cell service.”

Walker said for now the only change will be the funding source. The schedule of service and areas of operation will all stay the same.