The secretary is authorized to establish and operate regional jail camps for the confinement, treatment, and care of persons sentenced to jail terms in excess of thirty days, including persons so imprisoned as a condition of probation. The secretary shall make rules and regulations governing the eligibility for commitment or transfer to such camps and rules and regulations for the government of such camps. Subject to the rules and regulations of the secretary, and if there is in effect a contract entered into pursuant to RCW 72.64.110, a county prisoner may be committed to a regional jail camp in lieu of commitment to a county jail or other county detention facility.