Section 136. Contracts in pursuance of appropriations

A  contract or
  contracts made in pursuance of an  appropriation  by  the  state  for  a
  specific  object shall be for the completion of the work contemplated by
  the appropriation, and in the aggregate shall not exceed the  amount  of
  such  appropriation.  A  contract  for  a part of such work shall not be
  binding upon the state until contracts are also made covering the entire
  work  contemplated  by  such  appropriation,  except  that,   (a)   upon
  certification by the agency having jurisdiction to the state comptroller
  that  sufficient appropriations remain for completion of the entire work
  contemplated,  preliminary   work   such   as   site   preparation   and
  infrastructure  work may be commenced for a project where the timeliness
  thereof is of the essence and the director of the  budget  certifies  to
  such  need  and  to  the  availability of appropriations, and except (b)
  where it is expressly provided by such appropriation that a part of  the
  work  may  be  done  by  day's  labor.  Except  as  provided  in section
  thirty-eight  of  the  highway  law,  every  such  contract   shall   be
  accompanied  by  a bond for the completion of the work, specified in the
  contract, within the amount stipulated  therein,  which  bond  shall  be
  filed in the office of the state comptroller.