The local elected officials shall maintain a strong role in all phases and levels of implementation of the federal act. The local elected officials of a work force development area, upon favorable recommendation of the work force board, are authorized to award contracts for the administration, implementation, or operation of any aspect of the work force development program to any appropriate public, private, or nonprofit entity in accordance with applicable county regulations and federal law; except that Wagner-Peyser funds shall not be used to award contracts to private or nonprofit entities.