PLATTSBURGH (AP) – Plattsburgh, Middletown and Geneva will each receive $10 million to rejuvenate their downtowns.

The three localities were the first winners announced in the contest created by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to spur downtown redevelopment in communities around New York.

The Democratic governor went to each community on Wednesday to announce the funding.

A total of 10 cities and towns will be selected, with one in each of the state’s 10 upstate economic regions. The money will go to help local officials attract new businesses, housing or community services to downtown areas. Cuomo has said the contest is intended to help local communities turn their downtowns into “vibrant” places to live, work and raise families.

Saranac Lake has applied.