Puerto Rico Planning Board releases draft of $11.8B 4-year investment plan
The Puerto Rico Planning Board has released a draft of its Four-Year Investment Program (PICA, in Spanish), which outlines $11.8 billion in projected government investments for infrastructure, social and economic development from 2025 through 2029, according to Planning Board President Héctor Morales-Martínez.
Published annually, PICA is designed to help government agencies coordinate their efforts, improve resource use, advance public policy and quality of life on the island. It is developed under the Puerto Rico Planning Board Organic Act of 1975.
“PICA’s goal is to create a comprehensive overview of the permanent improvements each agency will undertake and ensure these align with current public policies,” Morales-Martínez explained. “It also serves as a tool to assess future social, economic and resource needs within a coordinated interagency framework.”
Myriam García-Velázquez, director of the Planning Board’s Social Analysis, Models and Projections subprogram, said, “The resource recommendations contained in the Capital Improvements Program for [for fiscal years 2026 through 2029], focus on the analysis conducted by each agency according to its area of [expertise], and an ongoing [assessment] of the needs of citizens in order to guarantee their quality of life.”
The allocations are based on sources of funding tied to existing obligations, including federally appropriated projects, funds required by court orders or by approved legislation, she said. “Priority projects are also considered given their critical nature [under] the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act. In addition to compiling all planned public works, PICA certifies the Puerto Rico budget.”
Following public hearings scheduled for July 7-8, the current draft may be revised as government agencies provide updated information on projects and certified funding.
The PICA framework is organized in four categories: Government Management, Protection and Security, Social Development, and Economic Development. The investments are intended to benefit all residents and strengthen Puerto Rico’s position as a destination for U.S. and international investment.
