A combined cycle power plant including a gas turbine engine having a compressor inlet and a turbine outlet that is configured to discharge a first exhaust gas stream therefrom. A heat recovery steam generator is configured to receive the first exhaust gas stream, extract heat from the first exhaust gas stream to make steam, and discharge a second exhaust gas stream therefrom. A steam turbine is configured to discharge a steam stream therefrom, a carbon capture system is configured to receive the steam stream, a recirculation blower is configured to pressurize a portion of the second exhaust gas stream for recirculation towards the compressor inlet, and an air inlet blower is configured to pressurize an airflow stream channeled towards the compressor inlet, such that a pressurized mixed flow stream, formed from the portion of the second exhaust gas stream and the airflow stream, is received at the compressor inlet.