Archaeological Investigations for the Paso Real Subdivision Flood Mitigation Project, Cameron County, Texas

Abstract

On November 2 and 3, 2017, The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) completed archaeological testing in advance of a flood mitigation project in Cameron County, Texas. Archaeological testing was in response to a request from Cameron County, which is proposing to install a drainage system to alleviate flooding in the Paso Real Subdivision. The County is applying for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding. As part of the project review, the Texas State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) requested archaeological investigations prior to the commencement of the project. The work was completed within the purview of the Antiquities Code of Texas and was conducted under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 8103. The Project Archaeologist was José Zapata, and Dr. Paul Shawn Marceaux served as Principal Investigator. The scope of work (SOW) for the project required a pedestrian survey of a 5.5-m (18-ft.) wide by 289.5-m (950-ft.) long area of potential effect (APE) and the excavation of three exploratory backhoe trenches. The results of the survey and testing were negative. The CAR recommends the project will result in No Historic Properties Affected and that the project proceed as planned. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) concurred with these recommendations on February 27, 2018. All field notes, maps, and photos have been prepared for permanent curation at the CAR in accordance with THC guidelines.