Niagara Falls says 'no' to world publicity contest

Niagara Falls will not be among the "New 7 Wonders of Nature."It's not even a finalist in the global polling under way to choose them.

Tourism officials on the U.S. side of the Falls said they passed on the opportunity because of worries their cash-strapped community might be on the hook for costly promotional activities.

Swiss organizers of the contest announced the 28 finalists Tuesday. Among them are the Grand Canyon, Amazon rain forest, Dead Sea and Ecuador's Galapagos Islands. People can vote for the final seven by Internet or phone and the winners will be announced in 2011.