The commissioner is authorized and empowered to use the offenders on or off the property of the correctional system to drain or improve the drainage of any property belonging to the correctional system. Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, no offenders at any time are to work off property of the correctional system except: (a) when some dire calamity or disaster exists or threatens, or (b) those offenders assigned to duty at the Governor’s Mansion (eight (8)). The Governor may order offenders to work to avert or control such calamity or disaster.

Provided, however, that the commissioner may authorize the working of offenders in support of any road construction, repair or other project of the State Highway Department upon proper request therefor by the State Highway Commission. In such cases the department shall establish all proper regulations for the working, guarding, safekeeping, clothing, housing and subsistence of offenders while so working.

Provided further, that the commissioner may authorize the working and housing of offenders in support of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics upon proper request therefor by the bureau. In such cases the department shall establish all proper regulations for the working, guarding, safekeeping, clothing, housing and subsistence of offenders while so working.

The commissioner may authorize the working of offenders in support of any aspect of Mississippi state government where such work would be appropriate and useful.