Section 17.11. Municipalities; federal and state aid

1.  Whenever  a
  municipality is applying for federal assistance for park and  recreation
  acquisition  and development funds from the federal government, pursuant
  to  the  open  space  acquisition,   open   space   development,   urban
  beautification,   neighborhood  facilities,  navigation,  beach  erosion
  control, land and water conservation, outdoor  recreation  research,  or
  similar  programs,  and  state  or local law is not conclusive as to the
  definition of "local governing body" for such purposes,  such  authority
  to  make  applications  shall be vested in that body of the municipality
  with authority to exercise all residual powers not otherwise allocated.
    2. Whenever a municipality, acting through its local  governing  body,
  has  agreed  to  file  an  application  for federal or state funds for a
  particular  program  of  park  or   recreation   land   acquisition   or
  development,  urban  beautification, historic preservation, neighborhood
  facilities,  navigation,  beach  erosion   control,   land   and   water
  conservation, outdoor recreation research, or similar programs, then the
  municipal body or official charged with responsibility for administering
  such  program  may,  in the absence of law to the contrary, be delegated
  responsibility for filing  the  application,  and  signing  grant-in-aid
  contracts if the application is approved.