MINNEAPOLIS — Federal officials have decided to let a proposed southeastern Minnesota wind farm pursue a permit that would allow it to kill or injure eagles.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the worst-case scenario is that the 48-turbine project would kill eight to 15 eagles a year, a number that would not harm the local population.

In a letter to state regulators, the federal agency says that estimate does not include possible strategies to reduce the number of eagles killed and, that if a permit is eventually granted, the goal would be a much lower figure.

The Star Tribune of Minneapolis reports the proposed New Era Wind Farm near Red Wing still faces several regulatory hurdles.

The company has said it estimates a kill of one eagle per year.