The governing body of such sewage district may apply for and accept grants of funds, materials or labor from the federal government or any department thereof in the construction of sewage systems as provided in this act, and may enter into such agreements as may be required by the federal laws or the rules and regulations of any federal department to which such application may be made, and where such assistance is granted, the sewage district may issue bonds as hereinafter provided for the remainder of the cost of such project.