A. There is hereby created a Department of Transportation within the executive branch, which shall be under the supervision and management of the Commissioner of Highways and responsible to the Secretary of Transportation.
B. The core mission of the Department shall be as follows:
1. To maintain and operate the system of state highways;
2. To develop, oversee, and manage highway projects included in the Six-Year Improvement Program pursuant to § 33.2-214 based on guidance from the Commonwealth Transportation Board or funded pursuant to § 33.2-1524; and
3. To ensure the safety of the traveling public on the system of state highways.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to limit or restrict the powers otherwise granted to the Department or Commissioner.