Showcasing Progress in Rural Broadband Development!
On June 12, 2024, Nex-Tech proudly hosted the Kansas Office for Broadband Development (KOBD) to showcase the ongoing efforts in rural Saline County. Joseph Le, Morgan Barnes and Shelley Paasch from KOBD joined Nex-Tech staff in Salina for a day to view the progress.
In 2023, Nex-Tech was awarded $2,293,000 from the Kansas Capital Project Funds (CPF) Broadband Infrastructure Program for Saline County, with Nex-Tech funding an additional $2,293,000, bringing the total project cost to $4,586,000 to build over 100 miles fiber optic Internet network in this area. It’s thrilling to announce that construction has officially begun!
Visitors had the chance to see the construction crew in action, utilizing big equipment to dig, bore, pull, and bury fiber and conduit along the roads. The tour included a visit to the Nex-Tech central office to check out the network equipment and stops at Salina Tech and The Garage, where some valued Nex-Tech customers shared their experiences.
It was an honor to have representatives from the offices of Senator Moran and Senator Marshall, the Salina Area Economic Development Organization, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, the Salina Public Library, the Saline County Administrator, Salina Tech, and The Garage join this special event.
Together, we’re making high-speed Internet a reality for rural Saline County!
Connect with Friday
Friday Otuya
Community Engagement Specialist
I'm Friday Otuya /Oh-Too-Yah/. I love sharing development resources, working on initiatives that change lives, and building bridges that lead to prosperity.
Specifically, I originate, underwrite, and deploy capital to small businesses that typically don't fit bank credit criteria. These businesses create jobs and expand economic opportunity in Nex-Tech's service area. I also support Nex-Tech's community and legislative strategy toward making life better through technology.
Before this, I worked in broadcast journalism and corporate communications, and did development finance work across Africa and the U.S.
If you are curious how Nex-Tech can partner with you through loans, grants, donations, or another kind of capital investment, I'd love to chat.
I live with my wife and two lads in Hays, KS.
Call/Text
785.639.8698
Weekdays: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
econdevo@nex-tech.com