Except as to State highways where the State Highway Engineer refuses to issue a permit, with the consent of the legislative body having jurisdiction of the territory within which it is proposed so to do, expressed by resolution of such governing body, the board of any district organized subsequent to the effective date of this amendment may order the construction of sewers and appurtenances in the whole or any portion of any of the streets, highways, or public places of the district, or in property or in rights of way owned by the district, and acquire or construct trunk and collection lines and laterals, sewage disposal and treatment plants, and acquire rights of way, and easements therefor, and may provide that the cost shall be assessed upon the fronting lots and lands or upon a special district.