Capital Improvements Program

The National Capital Planning Act requires that NCPC annually review and recommend a six-year program of regional capital projects. Additionally, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requires that all federal agencies consult with NCPC in advance regarding any proposed development or land acquisition in the region. Each federal agency in the region must prepare its submission in accordance with posted instructions and meet the deadlines for submitting program materials. Each fall, NCPC submits the Federal Capital Improvements Program for the National Capital Region to OMB for use in its preparation of the President's annual budget. Through the FCIP, NCPC provides OMB with its planning and funding recommendations for federal public works over a six-year period.

Capital improvement plans provide a link between the visions articulated by comprehensive plans and annual capital expenditure budgets. They allow for a systematic, simultaneous evaluation of potential projects. They also facilitate coordination among the units of government that are responsible for project implementation. A capital improvement is a substantial, nonrecurring expenditure for a physical improvement with a long useful life. Through FCIP preparation and review of capital improvement plans by regional jurisdictions, NCPC coordinates capital improvement planning at federal and local levels.