(a) (1) In addition to any other deductions allowed under this subtitle, an inmate may be allowed a deduction of not more than 5 days from the inmate’s term of confinement for each calendar month or portion of a calendar month of presentence or postsentence confinement during which an inmate manifests satisfactory industry, application, and progress in special selected work projects or other special programs.

(2) The deduction described in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be calculated from the first day that an inmate is assigned a project or program.

(b) The managing official of a local correctional facility shall designate the projects and programs that make an inmate eligible for diminution credits under this section.