The proposed New Ulm Wind Project in Nicollet County cleared another hurdle last week.The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission accepted the application of New Ulm Public Utilities to place five wind turbines in Lafayette Township.

While the wind farm is still months from becoming reality, proponents of the project say this is a big milestone.

Pat Wrase says, "A project that's been accepted by the permitting authorities that are really the overall source of knowledge of these types of projects in Minnesota, I think it's a big accomplishment and it speaks to the merits of the project."The project has come under fire from residents who say the land proposed for the wind farm should be retained for agricultural use, and worry construction would hamper livestock production and damage roads in the area.