(a) There is hereby authorized in each county of the state a work release program for county inmates and state inmates in custody of the county. Such program may be established at the option of the county in accordance with the provisions of this article.
(b) The State Board of Corrections is authorized to contract with the county concerning the costs of maintenance of state inmates participating in the program.
(c) The board may also promulgate rules and regulations concerning state inmates participating in the program the observance of which may be a condition to such participation.