(a) Any institution of the department may be used, for confining any person held under the authority of any United States statute including persons detained as aliens. The Commissioner of Correction may contract with the United States for the use of such institution, for confining any person held under such authority; but the expense of supporting and confining such person shall be paid by the United States. The commissioner may enter into and execute a contract or contracts with the United States for the removal of any inmate from any institution of the department to a federal correctional institution or medical center when, in his opinion, the inmate needs particular treatment or special facilities available at such correctional institution or medical center, or it is in the best interest of the state. When required as part of the contract the Commissioner of Correction or any person authorized by him may personally deliver such inmate to the particular federal authorities involved, and the state may, in the manner provided in § 4-165b, compensate such prisoner for personal injury or damages sustained by him while being removed to a federal institution for which no other compensation is available, unless such injury or damage was sustained in an attempt at escape or as the result of other misconduct of the prisoner.

(b) The authority of the Commissioner of Correction to contract with the United States pursuant to this section includes but is not limited to the authority to agree to indemnify and hold harmless the United States against any loss or damage to persons or property incurred because of the confinement of any prisoner so transferred.