(1) The Safe Routes to Schools Fund is established separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Safe Routes to Schools Fund shall be credited to the fund. Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the Department of Transportation to implement a safe routes to schools program as described in ORS 184.741 and to fund projects described in ORS 184.742.
(2) The department may apply for, accept, receive and disburse gifts, grants, donations and other moneys from the federal government or from any other source to carry out a safe routes to schools program. Moneys received by the department under this subsection shall be deposited in the Safe Routes to Schools Fund.
(3) The department, in consultation with the Transportation Safety Committee, may award grants from the Safe Routes to Schools Fund to applicants who comply with criteria adopted by the department under ORS 184.741 or who qualify under ORS 184.742.