Before the erection, construction, extension, alteration or improvement of wharves, piers, bulkheads, docks, slips, basins, or harbor or other structures or shipping and docking facilities in and upon or about any property owned or acquired for such purpose or reclaimed by the municipality the governing body shall prepare full and detailed plans and specifications for such work, and advertise for proposals for doing such work under said plans and according to such specifications, in the same manner as is prescribed by law for obtaining proposals and letting contracts for public works in the municipality.