Costs for Perdue's trip to Asia detailed

State commerce officials say Gov. Beverly Perdue's upcoming trip to Asia, which is being paid for in part by private benefactors, does not violate state ethics rules that forbid elected officials from receiving gifts.

Kathy Neal, spokeswoman for the state Department of Commerce, said in an e-mail to Dome that all travel costs for the state delegation will be paid for with an estimated $76,700 in taxpayer money. State funds will also be used to provide a van and driver, interpreters and business cards in both Japanese and Chinese.

Private donors, meanwhile, will pick up the $94,730 tab for hosting five functions in Japan and China, along with other promotional and entertainment expenses.

First Gentleman Bob Eaves, who is accompanying his wife on the trip, will pay his own way.

The delegation is scheduled to depart Thursday. For the record, the governor is flying commercial.

UPDATE: A spokesman for Gov. Perdue on Wednesday clarified a statement from earlier in the week, saying that the travel expenses for the state's first gentleman will be covered by the N.C. Democratic Party.

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Though state officials will attend the privately sponsored events and presumably enjoy food and beverages, Neal said the arrangements do not violate the gift ban.

"The gift ban is designed to prevent individual state employees in cabinet agencies and the Office of the Governor from receiving gifts from contractors, subcontractors or suppliers," Neal wrote in an e-mail Wednesday.

"State employees traveling on the Asia business development trip, including the governor, will have their expenses paid for by state funds. Non-state funds will come from the non-profit Trade and Development Fund, which supports the state’s economic development promotional activities. Commerce also expects to receive additional sponsorship funds for specific events," she said.

A full accounting of the trip's projected costs, provided by the Commerce Department, is attached below.