(a)  There is hereby transferred to the governor’s office of energy assistance, or its successor, those functions formerly administered by the department of community affairs relating to:

(1)  Home energy assistance program; and

(2)  Weatherization program.

(b)  In addition to any of its other powers and responsibilities, the department is authorized and empowered to accept any grants made available by the United States government or any agency thereof, and the department, with the approval of the governor, is authorized and empowered to perform those acts and enter into all necessary contracts and agreements with the United States of America or any agency thereof which may be necessary in the manner and degree which shall be deemed to be in the best interests of the state. The proceeds of any grants so received shall be paid to the general treasurer of the state and deposited by him or her in a separate fund and shall be utilized for the purposes of that grant or those grants.