North Dakota regulators have approved a new Steele County wind project and the route of a power line to carry its electricity.

The project is being developed by a local group called M-Power LLC. It wants to build a 157-megawatt wind farm in Steele and Griggs counties.

North Dakota's Public Service Commission has approved a site plan for the first phase of the project. It includes 33 wind towers capable of generating 49.5 megawatts of electricity.

Regulators are still reviewing the second phase of the project. M-Power hopes to sell the first phase to Otter Tail Power Co.

The commission also approved M-Power's request for a route for a new 13-mile segment of electric transmission line.

- Associated Press