(1) As authorized by chapter 81.53 RCW, this chapter prescribes the manner in which a public, private or nonprofit entity may apply to the commission for grants from the grade crossing protective fund, and to prescribe a program for the award of such grants.

(2) Grade crossing protective fund grants are to fund projects that:

(a) Reduce accident frequency and severity at either public and private railroad crossings; or

(b) Reduce pedestrian, trespassing, and motorist injuries and deaths on railroad rights of way at places other than crossings.