The TxDOT Amarillo District was recently recognized for their environmental work on SL 335 from FM 2590 to SW 9th Avenue. The project won the award for their exhaustive work in preserving the features and values of the historic Amarillo Helium Plant before, during, and after construction. TxDOT staff worked extensively with the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and held multiple public education meetings; exceeding the typical measures taken during this process. Concerns surrounding the Helium Plant facility arose early on after the SL 335 alignment was moved further west to Helium Road. The new route would run through the east side of the Helium Plant, impacting multiple features of the facility. Due to the anticipated impacts to this nationally significant site, it was imperative that the District involved the THC early on in this process. TxDOT was then informed of further complications as a covenant in perpetuity was established during the sale of the property that required any future owner of the property to obtain approval from the THC before any demolition, repair, or remodeling of any of the existing structures or features on the property took place. In order to lessen the impacts to the plant property, TxDOT staff including the Amarillo District and Environmental Affairs Division coordinated with the THC, The Amarillo Historical Preservation Foundation, Preservation Texas, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to develop a unique Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) concerning the plant. The MoA allowed the District to work with the THC to remove the covenant in perpetuity from the portion of the Helium Plant property acquired as highway right-of-way (ROW). TxDOT then in turn agreed to several actions beyond the routine scope of THC and TxDOT coordination. The intensive coordination with historical agencies during the planning and design of the SL 355 expansion along Helium Road to preserve the culturally significant site, was only possible through the dedicated work of many individuals in both state and private institutions. Former TxDOT Amarillo District Environmental Coordinator John Wimberley played an integral role in this project portion. Wimberley was instrumental in navigating the complicated environmental aspects of this section while also respecting the historical importance of the plant. This coupled with the extensive involvement of the public at every stage of development shows that, while not unique in its effort for this district, is a prime example of the work being done. certainly a wonderful example of the work being done. The preservation of and public awareness brought to the plant, demonstrates TxDOT’s willingness to go above and beyond in both cultural resource preservation and public involvement.