Since there were no contractors of the size capable of bidding on and completing large sections of the canal, the Canal Commission itself served as prime contractor. A section usually consisted of a half mile or a single lock. The commission created specifications for and received bids on each section. Terry Wright, former county coordinator for the River Corridor Committee in the 1980s, in writing on the canals, pointed out that the Canal Commission supervised the construction process in an efficient manner, uninfluenced by the political favoritism that was the rule of the day in the early 19th century. The commissioners probed closely the business experience and reputation of the contractors.

Timing was good for the work on the canal. Capable contractors and workers were becoming available as a result of the completion of New York's canals. Local businessmen and farmers put in bids for the work as well. Keen competition resulted in many bids coming in under the cost estimates.  The beginning of work gave an immediate boost to Ohio's economy, and those of the many communities along the way. Funds from the sale of state bonds were deposited locally to pay the workers, thus benefiting area merchants as well.