and the authority having jurisdiction
thereover, in the case of highways, bridges or culverts situated within
municipalities, may bring such civil action or actions against the owner
and operator of the vehicle or the motor carrier as may be necessary to
recover the damages sustained; and all funds recovered by the department
of transportation in behalf of the state shall be paid to the state
treasurer to the credit of the fund available for the maintenance and
repair of state highways, and funds recovered in behalf of a
municipality shall be applied in improving the highways, bridges and
culverts in such municipality.