$10M contest to help revitalize rural towns

MINDEN, Nev. (AP) — A wireless communications company and a satellite TV network are teaming up to offer $10 million in prize money to dozens of rural communities to help stimulate growth and revitalization in 27 states, including Nevada.

Officials for Frontier Communications and DISH Network announced the America's Best Communities campaign in Minden on Wednesday. The goal is to inspire new energy and investment in rural America.

The 3-year contest provides $4 million in seed money to up to 50 communities selected as quarterfinalists based on their revitalization plans. Up to 15 semifinalists will present proposals at a summit where eight finalists each will receive $100,000.

The winner gets $3 million, second-place $2 million and third, $1 million.

Joint announcements were made in Newberg, Oregon; Terra Haute, Indiana; Dallas, Pa.; Troy, Ohio and Charleston, West Virginia.