Kirwin, KS, July 23, 2024 – Nex-Tech is thrilled to announce the award of a $637,000 grant to establish a state-of-the-art fiber optic Internet infrastructure in the city of Kirwin, Phillips County, Kansas. Nex-Tech will match $596,000 of the grant project and has received a generous $41,000[LB1] [DS2]  in co-investment for the project, bringing the total project cost to $1,274,000. This ambitious project aims to connect 190 locations to high-speed Internet, propelling the community into the forefront of digital connectivity.

The initiative has garnered overwhelming support from the Kirwin community, including significant co-investment from the Coronado Area Council, BSA and the Dane G Hansen Foundation, each pledging $20,000, and the city of Kirwin itself, contributing $1,000 towards the project. The grant application process, which began in early 2024, has culminated in this momentous announcement, with construction anticipated to commence in 2025.

Residents of Kirwin have long relied on wireless Internet access through local infrastructure or cellular and satellite connections. This grant will revolutionize their online experience, providing access to 1 Gig symmetrical speeds courtesy of the new fiber optics network.

“We are delighted to announce the award of grant funding that will enable us to extend fiber connectivity to Kirwin,” expressed Jimmy Todd, CEO and General Manager of Nex-Tech. “Our gratitude goes out to the numerous individuals, businesses, and community supporters who played a pivotal role in the success of this grant application. We are proud to be able to extend our fiber network to Kirwin and to Camp Hansen near Kirwin Reservoir,.” added Todd.”

Vernon Roth Jr. City of Kirwin Mayor added, ” The Kirwin community is elated to receive the BAG 4.0 grant for the fiber optic project. By connecting our community to reliable high- speed Internet, we are expanding the opportunities in small town America.”

As Kirwin resident Ruby Wiehman points out, the impact of fiber Internet will most definitely have a huge positive impact on the local economy and quality of life as she says, “The people that would want to work from home and find it a struggle (like me), will finally be able to do so.  The fact that this [fiber] will finally be an option, will bring more residents into Kirwin as well, as the lack of decent Internet connectivity has made people go elsewhere to find a place to live.”

Nex-Tech’s investment in Kirwin reflects the dedication to enhancing the quality of life and economic vitality of the communities we serve. We are proud to lead the charge in bringing cutting-edge technology to rural America.