(a) All contracts for the acquisition, construction, enlargement, improvement, maintenance, equipment or operation of airports or other air navigation facilities, made by the political subdivision itself or through the agency of the Department of Transportation, shall be made pursuant to the laws of this State governing the making of like contracts.
(b) Where the acquisition, construction, improvement, enlargement, maintenance, equipment or operation is financed wholly or partly with federal moneys, the political subdivision, or the Department of Transportation as its agent, may let contracts in the manner prescribed by the federal authorities, acting under the laws of the United States, and any rules or regulations made thereunder, notwithstanding any other state law to the contrary.