The local agency may enter into contracts and cooperate with the United States or a federal department, instrumentality, or agency in the making of preliminary investigations, studies and surveys, preparation of plans and specifications and in the accomplishment of procedures and other action preliminary to construction, in the construction, maintenance, and operation, and in financing or aiding in financing the cost of preliminary investigations and studies, surveys, plans and specifications, procedures and other action preliminary to construction and of the construction, maintenance, and operation, of any enterprise pursuant to federal legislation under which aid, assistance, and cooperation may be furnished for these purposes by the United States.