The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has rejected a permit for New Ulm’s proposed wind-power project.

But New Ulm City Attorney Hugh Nierengarten said the project is not dead. Nierengarten says city officials will regroup with staff and discuss alternatives.

By a vote of 5-0, the PUC voted Monday to deny New Ulm’s request to place five wind turbines on rural properties just across the Minnesota River from the city.

New Ulm wants to put up the turbines to meet the city’s energy needs. Farmers opposed the idea, saying the land should be used for agriculture.

According to the New Ulm Journal, the New Ulm Public Utilities Commission had lease and easement agreements with three landowners for 237 acres, about half the space needed for a buffer setback.