Tenn. Code Ann. § 41-22-104: Grading of railroads into state mines

(a) The commissioner of correction may contract with any railroad company to do the grading of any railroad extension into the coal lands of the state and, in case the state engages to do the grading, the working of the inmates upon grade work is authorized. The working of the inmates shall be under the commissioner.

(b) The commissioner may accept, in remuneration for the grading, county bonds or first mortgage bonds of a railroad.