Ameren (AEE) unit Ameren Transmission Co. of Illinois is part of a consortium selected by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator to develop, operate and maintain two major transmission projects in the state, the company said Tuesday.

The consortium includes NextEra Energy (NEE) Transmission unit GridLiance Heartland, Dairyland Power Cooperative, and the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency.

Ameren Transmission and GridLiance will lead project development, while Dairyland and Illinois Municipal Electric will own part of the projects when they are placed in service.

One of the projects includes the construction of two new 765-kV transmission lines covering about 149 miles. The project has an estimated cost of $940 million, the company said.

The other project includes the construction of two new 765-kV transmission lines spanning 88 miles and the construction of a new 765/345-kV substation. That project has an estimated cost of $718 million, Ameren said.

Ameren Transmission and GridLiance will each hold a 43% ownership stake in both projects, while Dairyland and Illinois Municipal Electric will own 11% and 3%, respectively, the company said.