A joint venture of Spectra Energy Corp. and NextEra Energy Inc. will spend $3 billion to build a 465-mile pipeline that will bring natural gas from Alabama to Georgia and Florida.

The companies are building the Sabal Trail project for Florida Power & Light Co., the utility said Friday.

The new pipeline will end in Orlando, Fla., connecting there with two existing pipelines.

Another company, Florida Southeast Connection, will invest roughly $550 million to build a separate pipeline connecting the Sabal line with FPL facilities in Indiantown, Fla.

Construction is expected to start in 2016. The pipeline is expected to begin ferrying natural gas in May 2017.

FPL estimates the project will help create 8,600 jobs.

Tags: natural gas pipeline, Spectra Energy, NextEra Energy