Tenn. Code Ann. § 41-22-102: Construction of roads and buildings on state property

The commissioner has the authority and power to construct with the labor of inmates of the penitentiary any and all roads that may be found necessary and of value to the state's properties, and to construct and build, if, in the commissioner's opinion, it is necessary, separate hospitals and necessary appurtenances for contagious diseases on the state's property, and pay for them out of the funds belonging to the institution.