N.Y. Canal Law § 21

§ 21. Preparation contract, plans and estimates. The corporation shall\nmake surveys and prepare plans and specifications for work in connection\nwith the improvement, maintenance or repair of the canal system to be\nperformed under contract. It shall ascertain with all practical accuracy\nthe quantity and quality of all materials to be used and all other items\nof work to be included in the contract and shall make a detailed\nestimate of the cost of the same. The quantities contained in such\nestimate shall be used in determining the cost of the work according to\nthe different proposals received.\n