§ 370-a. Federal grants. 1. The department of taxation and finance is authorized to accept and receive from the federal government any moneys which the federal government shall offer to the state for or with respect to the construction, maintenance or operation of centers for senior citizens or for or with respect to the provision of services for senior citizens, under or pursuant to any federal law heretofore or hereafter enacted authorizing grants to the state for such purpose or similar purposes, including payments to political subdivisions of, and any public agencies in the state.

2. The department of social services is hereby designated and empowered to act as the agent of the state in carrying out the provisions of any such federal law with respect to such centers and services for senior citizens in this state.

3. Any and all such grants and moneys awarded for assistance to this state under or pursuant to any federal law shall be accepted and received by the department of taxation and finance as custodian thereof and such moneys, so received, shall be deposited by such department of taxation and finance in a special fund or funds and shall be used exclusively for the purposes of any such federal law. Such moneys shall be paid from such fund or funds on the audit and warrant of the comptroller upon vouchers certified or approved by the commissioner of social services.

4. Any federal funds available to the state for such centers and services for senior citizens shall be retained by the state.