While acting as a self-insurer as authorized by Section 71-3-5, the state highway commission is authorized and empowered to establish and maintain, from funds made available upon requisition from the state treasury, a special workmen’s compensation account, and to deposit such funds therein, and to pay therefrom the workmen’s compensation benefits as authorized by Section 71-3-37, and to pay such awards as may be entered and such other costs, expenses and benefits as may be incidental to the settlement of such workmen’s compensation claims. Disbursement from such special account shall be by check properly drawn against such account and signed by such personnel as may be duly authorized by the state highway commission. Payment from the special account shall be deemed payments of and from the State of Mississippi.