(1) The Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Fund is established separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Fund shall be credited to the fund.
(2) Notwithstanding ORS 823.991, all civil penalties collected under ORS 824.222 and 824.223 shall be paid by the Department of Transportation into the State Treasury within 30 days after the collection thereof and shall be placed by the State Treasurer to the credit of the Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Fund. Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the Department of Transportation for the purpose of grade crossing safety improvement projects.