All contracts for the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, and operation of airports, or other air navigation facilities made by the Department, either as the agent of this State or as the agent of any political subdivision, shall be made under the laws of this State governing the making of like contracts. Where the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, and operation of any airport, landing strip, or other air navigation facility is financed wholly or partially with federal moneys, the Department, as agent of the State or of any municipality thereof, 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.