“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, beginning on October 1, 1997, the Secretary of Education may use funds appropriated under part D of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [this subchapter] to make continuation awards for projects that were funded under section 618 [former 20 U.S.C. 1418] and parts C through G of such Act [former subchapters III to VII of this chapter] (as in effect on September 30, 1997).”