Salt Lake City is one of three finalists for a World Leadership Award.

The contest required entrants on the short list to pay 3,000 British pounds, about $5,240, toward a "presentation fee," which includes judging costs.

Anderson said Tuesday that the fee was paid by the mayor's political supporter and WordPerfect co-founder Bruce Bastian. Bastian, who has donated $37,500 to the mayor's two campaigns, wired the money to the city, which sent it on to London, according to the Mayor's Office.

Ten guests could accompany the mayor, but they would have to pay their own way and help cover costs for the mayor and the two city employees. The presentation fee also covers a table for 10 at the awards ceremony. Anderson said some people in the community - whom he wouldn't identify - have expressed interest in attending.

Anderson then added that "anybody that cares about our environmental programs that has been helpful, that are supportive, I'm thrilled to have them pay their own way to go to London and contribute toward our expenses so they can be in attendance."

If those 10 guests don't defray all of the costs for flights, hotels and meals for Anderson and his two staffers - Environmental Adviser to the Mayor Lisa Romney and city Environmental Programs Manager Vicki Bennett - the mayor's office expects to raise private funds to cover the balance.

While City Council Chairman Dale Lambert says it's "really odd" that contestants have to pay a fee for the award, he has no objection to the trip based on what he knows. "If the money is privately raised to go for this award, I wouldn't have a problem with it." As for the 10 guests, "if they're paying their own expenses, it probably doesn't concern me."

The announcement of the London trip comes amid questions over Anderson's donor-funded trip in July to Turin, Italy. The Salt Lake County Republican Party has asked for a criminal investigation, alleging Anderson misused the money. The GOP has questioned the appropriateness of Anderson taking his friends and girlfriend on the Olympic-related trip.

Anderson defended the Turin trip and the upcoming one to London.

He said he is not going to England for the award. "It's to help spread the message about Salt Lake City, how other municipalities can follow our lead to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

The World Leadership Awards are presented by the World Leadership Forum, whose Web site says it is a nonprofit group that "promotes leadership internationally - especially in the areas of science, technology, education, communication and the arts - by spotlighting the work of exceptional leaders and achievers in a host of disciplines."

A news release says the World Leadership Forum contacted leaders in 400 of the world's largest cities and asked them to submit information about successful projects. The group narrowed the entries to three finalists in 15 categories, ranging from architecture to environment to utilities.

Salt Lake City will compete against Calgary for its wind-powered trains and Port Elizabeth, South Africa, for its nature preserve. The World Leadership Awards Web site called Salt Lake City "a city driven by a passion for the environment" and mentioned its promotion of alternative transportation, climate protection, energy-efficient buildings, open space and smart growth.

The contestants will present their programs to a panel of judges in meetings open to the press and the public. The judges will announce the winners Dec. 6 at the Royal Courts of Justice. Cities will be judged on the quality of leadership, difficulties the cities have overcome and the degree of inspiration the city may provide others.

hmay@sltrib.com